People's Majlis

Parliament approves legal changes punishing lawmakers and judges

Media warned over online video coverage from MPs

Majlis resumes after recess

With no bills to debate on the agenda, Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed adjourned proceedings after announcing nominees sent by President Abdulla Yameen for parliamentary approval.

Majlis passes new construction law, breaks for recess

The bill was introduced, debated, reviewed by a committee, and passed on the same day. After the normal sitting in the morning, Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed scheduled a sitting at night to vote on the bill.

IPU slams MP’s conviction, calls for transfer to house arrest

Expressing concern about “the severity of the sentence” handed to the Independent MP, the international organisation of parliaments said it “fails to understand the justification for his conviction and sentence.”

Maldives parliament endorses decision to quit Commonwealth

The People’s Majlis endorsed today President Abdulla Yameen’s decision for the Maldives to quit the Commonwealth over alleged unfair treatment, interference in domestic affairs, and threats to sovereignty and independence.

Majlis reconvenes with debate on food subsidy cut

The People’s Majlis reconvened after a one-month recess today with a heated debate about the doubling of prices for staple foods after the government’s abrupt decision to target subsidies for the needy.

Maldives MPs vote to restrict free speech

Some 47 MPs approved today a bill that imposes severe restrictions on free speech and press freedom.

MPs propose tougher restrictions on press ahead of vote on defamation bill

PPM MPs have proposed tougher restrictions on the press in a revised version of a controversial bill seeking to recriminalize defamation, disregarding a ground swell of opposition from journalists, human rights groups and the international community.

Three Maldivians join extremist group in Syria

The news of the latest Maldivian recruits for jihad comes after President Abdulla Yameen submitted a policy paper on terrorism and violent extremism to the People’s Majlis, seeking the views of lawmakers on “further steps to be taken to address the issue.”

Expanding executive power on agenda as Majlis reconvenes

The People’s Majlis returned from recess Tuesday for the second session of 2016 with bills on expanding executive powers as the first order of business.Ruling party MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed proposed amending the 2007 civil service law to require the Civil Service Commission to consult ministers before appointing permanent secretaries, who must also manage the ministry “in accordance with the minister’s advice and instructions”.

Opposition MPs withdraw no-confidence motion against speaker

Opposition MPs have withdrawn a no-confidence motion submitted against Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed, two days before the motion was up for debate at the People’s Majlis.

Maldives parliament admits guilt over corruption

The parliament descended into fresh chaos today with lawmakers from warring sides accusing one another of corruption, and a ruling party MP admitting that he handed over “sacks of money” as bribes to opposition MPs.

Majority leader faces storm of criticism for spitting at female MP

Majority leader Ahmed Nihan has attracted a storm of criticism for spitting at a female opposition MP’s face during a heated exchange over corruption allegations on the parliament floor on Wednesday.

Majlis to resume with amendments proposed for terror law

The People’s Majlis will reconvene tomorrow after a week-long pause with ruling party MPs set to propose amendments to the new anti-terror law.

Translation of President Yameen’s 2016 presidential address

President Abdulla Yameen’s 2016 presidential address at the People’s Majlis opening touched on sovereignty, judicial reform, and the government’s achievements in health care, education, and infrastructure projects.

Maldives parliament to form joint committees with Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council

The Maldivian parliament and Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council have agreed to form “integrated joint committees” to work together on issues of mutual interest such as the threat of terrorism. The decision was revealed during an ongoing visit by Shura Council Speaker Dr Abdulla bin Mohamed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh.

Record MVR27.5billion budget passed for 2016

The parliament passed today a record MVR27.5billion (US$1.7billion) budget for 2016 as proposed by the finance ministry. The MDP issued a three-line whip against the budget. Some 11 amendments proposed by the party were voted out.

President’s legal affairs secretary appointed as new prosecutor general

The People’s Majlis has appointed President Abdulla Yameen’s legal affairs secretary to the vacant post of prosecutor general. Some 66 MPs voted yes to Aishath Bisham.

Why the Maldives Vice President’s Impeachment is Illegal

“My client, Ahmed Adeeb’s impeachment is illegal. Every incident that follows from this illegal vote should therefore be reversed,” writes Hussain Shameem, the former vice president’s lawyer.