Ahmed Naish

PPM MPs slam Commonwealth ‘bullying’ as opposition MPs warn against isolation

President Abdulla Yameen had sought parliament’s counsel on the country’s membership of the Commonwealth following lobbying efforts for an assessment of Maldives’ alleged violations of the organisation’s principles with the imprisonment of opposition politicians, including former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Bill proposes criminalizing ‘expressions contrary to national interest and Islamic tenets’

A draft freedom of expression legislation – obtained by Minivan News – states that four types of “expressions contrary to national interest” will constitute criminal offences: encouraging harm to a person or damage to private party, calling for the illegal overthrow of the government, threatening the country’s independence, sovereignty, and security, and accusing a person of committing a hadd offence without conclusive evidence.

Cabinet reassesses Maldives’ membership in Commonwealth as UK welcomes talks

The cabinet has decided to reassess the Maldives’ membership in the Commonwealth following repeated threats to leave the inter-governmental organization. British MPs are meanwhile continuing to urge their government to monitor the situation in the Maldives.

With Chinese grants and loans Malé-Hulhulé bridge inches closer to reality

The Malé-Hulhumalé bridge will cost an estimated US$300 million, finance minister Abdulla Jihad revealed today. In addition to US$100 million in grant aid, the Chinese government will also provide a US$170 million loan at a two percent interest rate.

New national integrity commission will ‘cure PIC toothlessness’

The government has submitted a bill to replace the Police Integrity Commission and the Customs Integrity Commission with a single ‘national integrity commission’ with greater powers.

Defence minister summoned over Chinese submarine ‘incursion into Maldivian waters’

Defence minister Moosa Ali Jaleel has been summoned to parliament to answer whether a Chinese Yuan class 335 submarine entered Maldivian territorial waters between March 31 and May 22. MDP MP Eva Abdulla submitted the question to parliament yesterday to summon the retired major general for minister’s question time.

Jailed ex MP admitted at hospital for tests

Imprisoned former ruling party MP Ahmed Nazim has been admitted at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) to conduct tests.

PPM seeks to limit elected councils to populous islands

PPM MP Abdulla Khaleel has also proposed extensive changes to the composition of local councils. Apart from the president and vice president of island, atoll, and city councils, the ruling party lawmaker proposed making other councillors part-time members who would not be involved in day-to-day activities.

MDP warns against politicisation of national university

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has warned that changes proposed to the national university law for the president to appoint nine members to its council will compromise the university’s independence and politicise the institution.

MDP calls for investigation into alleged unexplained wealth of PPM MP

Progressive Party of Maldives MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed has has spent between MVR3 million and MVR5 million in the Dhidhoo constituency during the past year, the MDP said, but he does not have business interests or “any other legitimate [sources of] income” apart from parliament.

Government revenue declines in May

Revenue collection declined in May due to a decrease in tourist arrivals and decline in revenue from Business Profit Tax. The government expenses rose due to spending on recurrent expenses.

HRCM questions police conduct in raid of ex-defence minister’s apartment

“The investigation noted matters that raise questions about the actions of police officers in searching G. Enif due to the carelessness of the police officers and because the search was not videotaped,” reads a 35-page confidential HRCM investigation report obtained by Minivan News.

Schools closed over dengue outbreak

Government seeks to write off fines for illegal parking

Maldives becomes founding member of Asian infrastructure bank

MDP proposes Indian mediator for all-party talks

Omnia Strategy helping government respond to UN working group on arbitrary detention

Government seeks international engagement in conciliatory policy shift

Majlis amends constitution, sets new age-limits for presidency

Government appeals for ‘fair and objective assessment’ from Amnesty International