MDP lack integrity calling for expediting Israel passport ban: PNC

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), which holds parliament super-majority, said that it tossed out the motion submitted by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) calling to expedite Israel passport ban was ill intended.

MDP parliamentary member of North-Galolhu constituency, Mohamed Ibrahim submitted the motion urging the government to expedite the passport ban.

The motion however, was rejected at the parliament’s Wednesday sitting by a total of 63 votes, including a majority of the ruling party members. However, one member abstained from casting their vote.

PNC, in a statement issued later on Wednesday on the matter, said the motion was submitted with the intention of delaying all the works put on agenda for the day.

The ruling party however, assured the bill on banning Israeli passport will proceed according to the schedule without any delays.

PNC in its statement further highlighted that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is among the most vocal leaders advocating to end the genocidal killings and displacement of Palestinian people by Israel, the establishment of a Palestinian state, and holding Israel accountable for its crimes.

The statement also highlighted that many former presidents have also acknowledged the current government’s efforts for the liberation of Palestine was unprecedented, compared to the previous administrations.

The ruling party further claimed that its government had extended the highest amount of financial assistance to the Palestinian people.

PNC further assured the work on banning Israel passport will conclude according to the schedule with the input of relevant experts and legal counsel.

The party said it would continue to support, and remain behind the cause of Palestinian liberation and the freedom of its people.

Notably, the tone of many of the ruling party MPs had shifted during Wednesday’s debate on the motion. As such, its parliamentary group, including its deputy leaders, individually noted that the singling out passport ban of a specific country would impact the Maldives’ tourist arrival numbers.

Many of the members argued comprehensive debate on the subject before proceeding forward with a passport ban.

With frustration over the delays on the passport ban intensifying, the matter was put on agenda for November 12 at the 241 Committee where its members decided to stretch the work on it until February next year.

PNC earlier had said work on the passport ban bill was getting delayed due to research.

While President Muizzu has been vocal towards the liberation of Palestine at various international meetings and conferences, the former President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik praised Muizzu claiming the current president has done more work in furthering the cause than any of his predecessors.