Parliament Concludes 2025 Session After Passing Key Legislations

The Parliament has adjourned for recess after completing the final sitting of its third session for this year. Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla formally announced the recess during the 28th sitting, which marked the conclusion of several major legislative actions.

Before adjourning, the Speaker outlined the work carried out during the current term, highlighting the passage of four significant bills. These included amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act (No. 32/2015), sponsored by Mohamed Ibrahim, MP for North Galolhu, and amendments to the Maldives Tourism Act (No. 2/99), proposed by the government and sponsored by Mohamed Sinan, MP for North Hithadhoo.

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Two additional government-proposed bills were also approved today: the Zakat Bill, sponsored by Hassan Waheed, MP for Vilufushi, and amendments to the Drug Act (No. 17/2011), sponsored by Yoosuf Nasheed, MP for Gan. The amendment to the Drug Act is considered one of the most consequential pieces of legislation passed during this session, introducing the death penalty for individuals convicted of smuggling drugs into the Maldives.

Among other matters concluded were amendments to Sections 23(f) and 30(a) of the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, approved with 62 votes. The Parliament also endorsed former Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof as the new Ambassador to Japan and approved the Statute of the Labour Centre of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, as referred to by the President under Articles 115(f)(1) and 93(h) of the Constitution on the last day of this term. Additionally, Parliament voted to remove Criminal Court Judge Hussain Faiz from his post.

The newly passed Zakat Bill outlines regulations for the collection and administration of Zakat, including the requirement for Zakat to be paid on property held in the Maldives regardless of the owner’s residency. Under the legislation, the President must establish a Zakat Council within two months of the Act coming into force. The council will comprise representatives from the Maldives Monetary Authority, the Centre for the Quran, the Finance Ministry, the Fatwa Council, the Islamic Ministry, and two independent Zakat experts appointed by the President. The bill also forms a Sharia Advisory Committee and details the management and permitted uses of the Zakat Fund. Penalties for misuse of Zakat funds or fraudulent claims include fines ranging from MVR 1,000 to MVR 100,000 and removal from the Zakat Trustees register for a specified period.

According to parliamentary records, MPs spent a total of 64 hours in 28 sittings during the session, passing 15 bills. Committees held 142 meetings, amounting to 120 hours of legislative review. Sixteen issues submitted by the government and nine forwarded to the Speaker’s desk were also resolved.

In his closing remarks, Speaker Abdul Raheem expressed appreciation to MPs for their commitment throughout the year and encouraged them to make good use of the recess period with their families.

Parliament is scheduled to reconvene in February 2026, when President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is expected to deliver his third presidential address. However, officials if needed special sittings may be convened before then if required.