The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary group has expressed concern over the passage of government-sponsored bills during the most recent session of the People’s Majlis, alleging that the legislation was pushed through in violation of established procedures.
As the Majlis enters its recess following the conclusion of the year's second session, several stringent laws impacting the public and the economy have been enacted. These include a bill allowing the central government to reclaim land from local councils, legislation penalizing the reporting of news related to dollar exchange rates, and measures mandating businesses earning in foreign currency to convert 40 percent of their revenue into local currency.
Speaking at a press conference today, the MDP parliamentary group asserted that the bills were rushed through the legislative process. MDP Deputy Parliamentary Group Leader Hussain Ziyad (Fittey) said that this haste deprived members of the opportunity for meaningful debate, describing the concluded session as "extraordinary" in its disregard for norms.
"There was no space to debate any of these bills. Even within the narrow windows available, new tactics are being invented to stifle members' contributions. For instance, the land transport bill had been sitting in parliament for nearly a year, yet it was suddenly finalized in a committee meeting held late at night on a public holiday and brought to the floor with an entirely new chapter that was not in the original draft," Ziyad said.
Ziyad also countered President Mohamed Muizzu’s claims that the government’s legislative amendments are based on thorough research.
"In the 19th Majlis, when tax laws were amended, relevant stakeholders were brought to the floor to participate in debates and provide information. That was the standard of parliamentary conduct previously," the Vaikaradhoo MP added.
MP for Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir (Matey), echoed these concerns, criticizing the speed at which bills were processed. He noted that legislation is being sent to the committee stage without adequate preliminary debate.
"Bills are being moved through committees without summoning experts or seeking professional counsel, following only the directives of the Attorney General or the government. It cannot be said that any bill passed in the last session followed due process or involved consultations with relevant stakeholders," he said.
