Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim has dismissed the "baseless allegations" raised by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) to dismiss him from the post of parliament Deputy Speaker.
Nazim resigned from the post today, shortly before a no-confidence motion against him was scheduled to be tabled on the parliamentary agenda.
In a post on X, Nazim said that no member had previously raised any complaints regarding his conduct as Deputy Speaker or as a Member of Parliament, nor had he been accused of violating the Constitution or the Standing Orders of the Majlis.
"I wish to note that the resolution submitted for my removal contains no evidence or proof to substantiate the allegations made against me. Furthermore, no member or any other party has ever filed a complaint alleging that I have violated the Constitution or the Standing Orders of the Parliament through any action or omission in my capacity as Deputy Speaker or as a Member of Parliament. Therefore, all these allegations are baseless," he stated.
The no-confidence motion submitted by the PNC alleged that Nazim was working with a "political bias" and was attempting to undermine the harmony within the parliament.
“The Deputy Speaker has repeatedly abused his position for undue influence, incited discord, and acted with clear bias in a manner that undermines the interests of the Majlis. Furthermore, he has demonstrated political prejudice in all parliamentary proceedings, encouraged the disruption of legislative harmony, and abdicated his official responsibilities,” the no-confidence motion stated.
Nazim maintained that he performed the duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Speaker with honesty, integrity, and in accordance with legal principles.
"I also wish to state that I have not engaged in any act that would compromise the interests of the members of the People’s Majlis, nor have I abused my influence or taken undue advantage of my position. I have performed my duties and responsibilities within legal bounds, treating all members with equality and fairness without any discrimination," he said.
Nazim is considered one of the most experienced politicians currently active in the Maldives. He previously served as the Deputy Speaker of the Majlis from 2009 until 2015.
He was once a close ally of former President Abdulla Yameen and played a key role in Yameen’s first political party, the People’s Alliance (PA).
Following a political fallout after Yameen assumed the presidency, Nazim was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2015 on fraud charges. Later that year, after traveling to Singapore for medical treatment, he sought and was granted political asylum in the United Kingdom.
Nazim returned to the Maldives in 2018 after the Supreme Court overturned his conviction.
