PNC MP Azaan Removed from Key Parliamentary Committees

Ahmed Azaan Marzooq, a lawmaker from the People’s National Congress (PNC), has been removed from two key parliamentary committees: the Public Accounts Committee and the Security Services Committee (241 Committee). These changes were announced by Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla during a sitting this morning.

As part of the reshuffle, Azaan has been replaced by North Henveiru MP Ahmed Aifan on the Public Accounts Committee and by Vilimale’ MP Mohamed Ismail on the Security Services Committee. Additionally, Mohamed Ismail will take Azaan’s place on the Privileges and Ethics Committee, while Azaan will replace Aifan on the Petition Committee.

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This shift in committee membership comes amid speculation that Azaan may soon face expulsion from the ruling PNC. The rumours follow his refusal to sit through a controversial bill last week that proposed downsizing the Supreme Court bench from seven to five justices. The bill had sparked widespread debate, with the opposition alleging that the government sought to dismiss certain justices to influence a case challenging a contentious constitutional amendment.

The amendment, passed and ratified swiftly on November 20, introduced provisions enabling parliamentarians to lose their seat under additional circumstances, including if they are expelled from their political party. Former Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain filed a constitutional case on November 24, arguing that the amendment violated key provisions of the Constitution. The case, which has been under consideration by the Supreme Court since February 17, led to a motion from the state to have it dismissed. The bench, however, decided on February 18 to proceed with the case, giving the state 10 days to prepare its defence.

The bill’s hurried passage on February 26, just one hour before a scheduled Supreme Court hearing on a request to suspend the anti-defection clauses, raised further concerns. On the same day, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) announced the suspension of three Supreme Court justices involved in criminal investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), stalling the progress of the constitutional case.

Azaan, who had been threatened with disciplinary action by the PNC for skipping the vote on the controversial bill, was seen leaving the chamber quietly as voting commenced. His decision to abstain from voting had led to his removal from the party’s parliamentary WhatsApp group.

In a statement, Azaan reiterated his commitment to prioritising the interests of his constituents and the nation, arguing that the bill violated the Constitution. He emphasised that supporting the bill would breach Article 75 of the Constitution, which requires parliamentarians to act in the national interest and not exploit their positions for personal gain.