Local Government Minister Adam Shareef today said that his remark about "breaking the jaws of MPs" was intended as a metaphor and not as a threat or an incitement to violence since the word has been associated with him.
His comment came after Parliament Speaker Mohamed Aslam said the matter would be referred to the Committee on Member's Privileges and Ethics. The two opposition parties, the Democrats and the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and some members of the public have earlier expressed concern over the minister's remark.
In his post on X, Adam Shareef said he did not use the word "jaw" to encourage violence.
"Since the word is associated with me, it was used as humor or a metaphor. I apologize for any misunderstandings this might have caused," he wrote.
Adam Shareef, who is accompanying President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on a tour of the atolls, made the remark in Meemu Dhiggaru on Wednesday. He made the remark after implying that the biggest obstacle to the President's legal responsibilities is the Parliament.
"But I just wonder, if I was there today [in Parliament], whether I would be able to remain without breaking one of their jaws," he said.
After deciding to refer the matter to the Committee on Member's Privileges and Ethics, Speaker Aslam told Adhadhu that it was very irresponsible for a former MP to make such a remark publicly.
"That is an infringement on the privileges of the entire Parliament. And while holding such a state position, speaking in a way that encourages violence is very dangerous," he added.
This is not the first time Adam Shareef has spoken in this manner.
Shareef was serving as the Defence Minister of the former Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) government when he said during a meeting of the military that he could break the jaw of an MP. Following the remark at the time, Shareef was criticized heavily and people began using the word "jaw" to refer to him.
Speaking again in 2022 during a campaign event for PPM, Shareef said he can't stay without breaking the jaws of MPs.
