MP Meekail: PNC MPs have handed over their brains to the president

Main opposition MDP’s South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem has heavily criticized ruling PNC lawmakers, citing that they have handed over their brains to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has sent back the Thalassemia Control Act passed by the Parliament, for additional revisions.

While debating on the bill at Wednesday’s sitting, Meekail said the act proved that the Parliament has truly transformed into a ‘President’s parliament’.

“The bill is sent here by the President and here, the bill is approved by the President’s lawmakers, as wanted by their President. When the bill is sent for ratification, it is sent back by the same President,” he said.

“I want to ask what has happened to the lawmakers here,” he added.

Meekail underscored that PNC lawmakers had described by Thalassemia Control Act as a comprehensive piece of legislation just a few days ago. In contrast, Meekail said their views have changed following orders from the President.

He strongly criticized lawmakers from the ruling party, claiming they only recognize problems in a bill when the President points them out. He went on to question the judgment of PNC lawmakers, asking where their brains were.

Meekail emphasized that lawmakers are elected to the Parliament to advocate for the citizens.

“They [PNC lawmakers] are here to debate after handing over their brains to the President and the President’s Office. They act at the instructions of the President,” he added.

Meekail alleged that PNC lawmakers are not aware of the contents of a bill when debating on it. He remarked that it truly hurts him to see the Parliament turn into a small room of the President’s Office.

He concluded by calling on PNC lawmakers against “handing over their brains” to the President.

Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, who was presiding over the sitting, responded to Meekail’s remarks, citing that the President is empowered by the constitution to send back a bill if further revisions are required.

He stressed that the lawmakers are also empowered to pass the bill as it is without any further revisions.

“If things are decided in a room of the President’s Office, there is no point in sending the issue back here,” he added.

The Speaker called on lawmakers to engage in debate after familiarizing themselves with the responsibilities.

Ruling PNC holds supermajority in the Parliament, with 75 out of the 93 seats. This overwhelming majority has drawn strong criticism from the opposition, who argue that Parliament has essentially become a tool for advancing the government’s agenda.

Notably, the government has used its supermajority to push through controversial anti-defection amendments to the constitution, which would lead to lawmakers losing their seats if they switch parties.