No reason, situation for MDP to protest: Falah

The parliamentary group leader of ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah has said there was no reason or cause for opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to protest amid the presidential address at the Parliament on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

After MDP members began protesting inside the parliament’s chambers, Thursday’s sitting was concluded shortly after the presidential address.

While speaking with ‘Sun’ Online, Falah said there was no reason for the opposition to protest at Thursday’s sitting. He said that the protests during previous assemblies had been for just causes.

“For instance, during the previous assembly, around eight of us MPs at the parliament protested because the then opposition leader was locked up, and none of the members had been allowed to speak on behalf of him at any government authority back then,” Falah commented.

“But let’s look at the current situation? Since our president came to power, there have been no political imprisonments, no injustices, and no theft. There has been no such conduct that would undermine the country. There should not be any protest simply because it was the presidential address,” he added.

The parliamentary group leader further said the current government is known for its exemplary conduct.

Right after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu was invited to give his address, the opposition members began protesting. Parliament Speaker, Abdul Raheem Abdulla had individually called out the name of these MPs at the sitting as well.

Although their names were called out and demanded to vacate the chambers, the MDP members refused to comply. The Speaker then halted parliament’s proceedings until the MPs left the sitting, after which they were escorted out of the chambers by security.

The named MPs at Thursday’s sitting include:

• Abdul Gafoor Moosa, Hanimaadhoo MP
• Hussain Ziyad, Vaikaradhoo MP
• Ibrahim Nazil, South-Hithadhoo MP
• Mohamed Niushad, Keyodhoo MP
• Ahmed Didi, Maradhoo MP
• Hussain Sameer, Thoddoo MP
• Mauroof Zakir, Kendhoo MP
• Mohamed Ibrahim, North-Galolhu MP

While these MPs were escorted out of the parliament, MDP’s general members had gathered outside the parliament’s premises and called out for President Muizzu’s resignation.

Notably, this is the third instance where MDP members gathered near the parliament to protest since the current administration took charge. Previously, the party members protested after the PNC-controlled parliament passed a constitutional amendment that allowed political parties to control the seats of MPs, and due to the delays related to issuing social housing to the recipients.