The 20th Parliament held extraordinary sittings and committees, but the issue of agreements signed by the previous government with India was completed.
The matter was submitted by Hithadhoo Medhu MP Ahmed Azaan on June 9 to the Security Services Committee (241 Committee). A sub-committee was formed on June 10.
The sub-committee was tasked with conducting inquiries into the Hydrography Agreement between India and Maldives, Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) Agreement process and the Dornier aircraft agreement.
A four-member committee was formed. The committee consists of;
- Hithadhoo Medhu MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq
- Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim
- Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa
- Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannaan Abubakuru
At the second meeting of the 241 Committee, Azaan said the people of Maldives had voted for President Muizzu in the presidential election to ensure the independence and sovereignty of the country.
"One of the biggest responsibilities of this committee should be to investigate what we accused then, the things we claimed to come to power," Azaan said.
"We know that some things have occurred in way that affect the independence and sovereignty of the country. Therefore, this committee, we have to use the powers given to this committee by the Constitution to conduct an inquiry."
However, the Parliament has been unable to use that power to look into this issue.
It has been pending at the committee stage for three months and some ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MPs told Adhadhu that the issue had been parked on the orders of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
"The issue has been stalled at the direct order of the President because it may make it difficult to strengthen relations with India. The President was angry when the issue was raised without discussion," an MP said.
The Parliament website does not show whether the sub-committee held any meetings on the issue.
While the issue has been parked in the Parliament, President Muizzu and the PNC coalition have not delivered on any promises related to India.
The Indian helicopters and the Dornier aircraft have not been returned. Discussions were held to remove Indian soldiers, but they were replaced by members of the Hindustan Aeronautics Company which is under the Indian army. But the government claims to have succeeded in removing Indian soldiers from the Maldives.
After insulting India at the beginning of his administration, President Muizzu is now trying to mend relations with India and seek financial help.
