Parliament can ban Israeli passports if the government wants in the same manner that matters rushed by the government are being stamped, former President Abdulla Yameen has said.
Speaking at a People's National Front (PNF) rally, Yameen said the government-controlled Parliament was making excuses because President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu does not want to ban Israeli passport holders from entering Maldives.
"Parliament is the rubber stamp of the government. If the government wants to do it, they can amend the entire Constitution in three or four hours. So don't try to convince us that Parliament is very hard working. They do rubber stamping. There is not a single person there who has the courage to press a button for the sake of the people," he said.
"Muizzu has no willingness. Muizzu has no willingness to ban Israeli passports. He says Netanyahu will be arrested if he comes to Maldives. He knows Netanyahu will not come to Maldives," he added.
The bill, which was introduced in June by Galolhu Dhekunu MP Meekail Naseem to amend the Immigration Act to prevent people with Israeli passports from entering the Maldives, was accepted by the Parliament on June 10 and referred to the committee. But it took more than five months for the committee to begin work.
The government, in June, announced a decision to ban entry of Israeli passport holders. However, the government-controlled Parliament has been delaying work on the bill.
The opposition and public have raised concerns and criticized the government for the delays.
Despite having a supermajority in Parliament, the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) issued a statement on October 16 calling to expedite work on the bill. MP Meekail described the statement as an attempt by the PNC to mock the public.
