Four opposition MPs ordered to leave the chamber

Aug 12, 2024, 6:05 AM
Four opposition MPs ordered to leave the chamber

Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla has called out the names of four opposition MPs for disorderly conduct and ordered them to leave the chamber this morning as the session got heated during the questioning of Housing Minister Dr. Ali Haidar.

The four Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs who were ordered to leave the chamber were Hithadhoo Dhekunu MP and MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil, Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir and Keyodhoo MP Mohamed Niushad.

The session got heated when Minister Haidar did not give a clear response to a question from Vaikaradhoo MP Ziyad. He questioned whether the ministry discussed with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to change the policy after promising not to take back the lands and flats awarded by the former government.

In response, Haidar said flats and lands would be taken back after ensuring whether it was awarded rightfully.

"We will not make any changes unless we are sure that the flat or land has been given to the rightful owner," he stated.

MP Ziyad raised a point of order and complained that the minister had not responded to his question. But Speaker Abdul Raheem did not allow the point of order.

"It is not a reason to take a point of order because the Honorable MP did not get the answer you wanted," he said.

Following that, MPs Ziyad, Mauroof, Niushad and some other MDP MPs rose from their seats and went near the Speaker's table. Abdul Raheem ordered the MPs to maintain order and respect the rules.

However, the MPs did not return to their seats and the Speaker called out their names and ordered them to leave the chamber. The session was then adjourned until the MPs left the chamber.

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