Falah Warns Opposition May Lose Opportunity to Debate Resolutions

Inguraidhoo Constituency MP and Parliament Majority Leader Ibrahim Falah has warned that opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs may no longer be able to raise and debate issues of their choice if a proposed amendment to the Parliament’s Standing Orders is passed.

Falah made the remarks during a parliamentary debate on a resolution submitted by Galolhu Dhekunu Constituency MP Meekail Naseem, which calls for the disclosure of the agreement signed with Eagles Hills to lease Ras Malé and seeks MPs’ views on the matter.

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During the debate, Falah also criticised former President Abdulla Yameen, referring to media reports about funds allegedly held in bank accounts associated with a former leader and a Singaporean company.

“Honourable Speaker, why don’t these members submit a resolution to discuss these matters? Submit it to the ACC, if there is genuine sincerity towards the nation,” Falah said, referring to a reported MVR 458 million in a single bank account and reports of USD 700 million held by a Singaporean company.

Falah said the funds, if deposited into the state budget, could provide financial relief. He also urged Yameen to remain quiet and behave.

Falah subsequently warned that opposition MPs could lose the opportunity to submit resolutions and debate issues of their choosing.

“Otherwise, there will be no opportunity in the future,” he said.

His remarks came amid a proposed amendment to the Parliament’s Standing Orders submitted by Thulhaadhoo Constituency independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru. The amendment proposes requiring a vote before a submitted resolution can be debated.

Under the proposed change, MPs would no longer have the existing opportunity to debate a resolution before a decision is made on whether to accept it.

Falah also defended the treatment of opposition MPs in Parliament, saying that despite the MDP’s relatively small representation, its members had been given considerable opportunities to participate in proceedings.

“With around 11 members among 73 members, consider how carefully we accommodate and interact with them. But these members show no regard. They just shout whatever comes to mind and say whatever they feel like,” he said.

Falah added that opposition MPs would not be able to speak in Parliament if the majority did not allow them the opportunity.

The proposed amendment could narrow the opportunities available to opposition MPs to raise concerns and challenge government decisions in Parliament. By requiring a vote before a resolution can be debated, the change could prevent some issues raised by opposition members from reaching the debate stage.