MPs enraged after being denied opportunity to question Minister Muthalib

Order at the Parliament was disrupted during Monday’s sitting after majority of questions directed at Construction Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib by opposition MDP lawmakers were dismissed by the chair.

Minister Muthalib was summoned to Monday’s parliamentary sitting to be questioned regarding the delays in N. Lhohi’s water and sewerage project.

During the remaining time after the Minister had been questioned on the topic, MDP lawmakers posed additional questions to the minister regarding projects underway in their respective constituencies. However, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim, who was presiding over the sitting, dismissed majority of the questions, citing they were unrelated to the topic.

This enraged opposition lawmakers who loudly protested against the Deputy Speaker’s decision on the floor.

“We are asking questions that are related to the topic. It will be really great if the Minister is allowed to answer. A 14-day notice is given to ministers so that they may familiarize themselves and come here,” MDP’s Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil said.

Meanwhile, Kanditheemu MP Ameen Faisal expressed anger, citing lack of answers even when ministers appear at the Parliament.

As per Parliament’s standing orders, lawmakers are permitted to question ministers on topics beyond the primary issue for which they were summoned.