An opposition lawmaker is seeking to summon Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel to the parliament over Maldives High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood Imad's interview with Daily News.

Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem wants to question Khaleel whether the High Commissioner had acted in the best interests of the country.

"Is it the best way to abandon the principles of diplomacy and bilateral negotiations and so openly slam another neighboring country?" his question stated.

In his interview, Masood accused the Sri Lankan authorities, especially the Immigration, of discriminating against Maldivians with "step-motherly treatments."

He alleged that Maldivians living in and traveling to Sri Lanka have to stand in long queues from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm to obtain and renew their visas.

"I am perplexed as to why officials only consider those who arrive in Sri Lanka with fair skin as visitors," Masood was quoted as saying.

He accused Sri Lankan immigration officials of doing this for financial gain by indicating that applying for visas through travel agents is more convenient.

Sri Lanka has been a popular destination for Maldivians for years, but this could change with the discrimination, Masood warned.

His remarks have drawn criticism from many people, including opposition politicians and former diplomats.