Pro-govt. MPs criticize Nasheed for failure to stop opposition MPs

Parliamentarians who are pro-government voice their concern over the Speaker of the Parliament and former president Mohamed Nasheed’s decision to continue the session despite opposition members creating chaos. 

During the Parliament session on Tuesday morning, Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam, along with other members from the Progressive coalition, comprising of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) stood infront of the chamber, creating disturbances by shouted out their concerns and demanding for the freedom of their leader - former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom.

However, Nasheed who was presiding did not give any attention to it, and carried on with the debate that was taking place. 

MP Hussain Shaheem who was speaking at the time, stopped, stating that it was difficult for him to carry on due to the commotion created by MP Shiyam. But Nasheed still carried on, and granted the opportunity for another member to speak. 

Subsequently, MP Shaheem raised a point of order.

“We cannot clearly make out what is being said here. The debate by Mp’s is not clear.”

In response, the Speaker merely said that there was no issue with the mike systems. 

When he resumed the debate after this, Thinadhoo North MP Abdul Mugunee raised a point of order, and questioned the responsibilities of the speaker. 

“Is it not the responsibility of the speaker to carry on the parliament floor in different manner than this. Is this carrying out in accordance with the Speakers responsibilities.”

Stating the he was aware of the speakers responsibilities, Nasheed said that he would carry on in accordance to the laws and regulates, and yet again resumed the proceedings. 

In addition to calling for Yameen’s freedom, the opposition slandered criticism at MDP leadership, and also accused the government of influencing the judiciary.