Parliament sitting ends in 30 minutes

The Parliament concluded its sitting in 30 minutes on Monday – in the first sitting held in Ramadan.

Last week, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla announced that sittings will be held for three-and-a-half hours - from 10:30 am to 02:00 pm - during Ramdan.

On the agenda for Monday’s sitting was the reading of Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed’s response to four questions asked by North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), and the vote on nominees for two non-resident ambassador roles.

The sitting began at 10:30 am and ended 11:00 am – in just 30 minutes.

There were no committee meetings scheduled either.

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) had submitted amendments last month to close the Parliament for Ramadan. However, the party reconsidered the move in face of public backlash, as many said that Ramadan is a month for hard work, and questioned why high-paid parliamentarians should get a break during the month.

Parliamentarians – who set their own pay - currently receive MVR 82,500 monthly, including committee allowances.