MP Rashid in hot water for derogatory comment on women from islands

Komandoo MP Mohamed Rashid, on Tuesday, saw himself in hot water after he made a derogatory comment toward local women from islands.

MP Rashid, debating against the resolution submitted by Deputy Parliament Speaker Eva Abdulla on debt restructuring, said that the government is only able to provide essential services to the public because they withdraw loans.

He said the result of withdrawing loans to fund projects is the fulfillment of the needs of the people.

Noting the government funded the establishment of water and sewerage systems across many Maldivian islands through loans withdrawn – the “beauty” of women residing at islands are only evident now as they have access to clean water.

He further stated that no matter how expensive perfumes women from islands had used previously, they still smelled bad because the women showered with dirty water.

Following his remark – Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb drew a point of order. MP Ilyas expressed anger, stating MP Rashid had used derogatory language to address women.

Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, who was presiding over the sitting, also raged over the remarks and instructed MP Riza against belittling any gender.