Politics

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.

Efforts to put Maldives on CMAG agenda unsuccessful, says foreign ministry

The Maldives is not on the agenda of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) despite “efforts made by some of the most powerful countries in the Commonwealth to place the Maldives on the group’s agenda and harm the nation,” the foreign ministry has said.

Progress in talks raises hope of end to crisis

Representatives of the government and the opposition expressed tonight optimism of a resolution to a six-month long political crisis with home minister stating the government is open to exploring avenues to release jailed politicians and withdraw charges against opposition supporters.

Drastic changes planned for new penal code

The Supreme Court is planning to submit extensive changes to the new penal code due to come into force on July 16. A reliable source has told Minivan News that the changes are modelled on South Sudan’s penal code and will undo a decade’s work of modernising the criminal justice system.

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.

Comment: Mosque, story of my country

The sermons coming out of the Mosque almost always address matters relating to creed, never relating them to issues that are more directly connected to socio-economic problems, writes Aisha Hussein Rasheed.

All parties, except PPM, required to re-register members

The Elections Commission has ordered all political parties, except the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives, to re-register members who had previously submitted membership forms without fingerprints.

MDP and Sangu TV in row over live broadcast of rallies

MP Ahmed Mahloof said an opposition supporter had removed Sangu TV’s microphone from the podium at the opposition’s campaign office or Haruge, resulting in a confrontation between “gangsters” who supported the TV channel and opposition supporters. Sangu TV however said the group were its staff.

Hundreds mobilized in campaign against dengue

Hundreds of staff at state owned companies, government offices, and volunteers started walking door-to-door in the capital Malé this morning with a checklist of activities to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites. At least four people have died from mosquito-borne dengue fever this year.

Sea plane with tourists crash-lands, all passengers safe

A Trans Maldivian Airways seaplane carrying 11 tourists crashed landed in the water near Kuredhu Island Resort in north central Maldives at 5:30pm today. The passengers and three members of crew are safe.

Maldives threatens to leave the Commonwealth, again

The Maldives “will seriously consider its membership at the Commonwealth” if it is placed on the agenda of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) for a second time in four years, foreign minister Dunya Maumoon has said.

Transparency Maldives call for criminalisation of Illicit enrichment

The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) – which the Maldives acceded to in 2007 – defines illicit enrichment as a “significant increase in the assets of a public official that he or she cannot reasonably explain in relation to his or lawful income.”

Majlis notifies vice-president of impeachment vote

The People’s Majlis has notified vice president Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed of a resolution calling for his removal, and granted him 14 days to respond to charges.

Leaders commit to reconciliation, prepare to begin talks

“I believe this is the time for a major reconciliation by finding a consensus through talks. The government, to show its sincerity, will make all the concessions we can,” Home minister Umar Naseer told the press following a meeting with MDP MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

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.

Vice president labels impeachment a ‘constitutional coup’

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel has called his party’s attempt to remove him a “constitutional coup” and suggested that the the international community should intervene to prevent the situation.

Eight Bangladeshi men arrested for gambling

A total of eight Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in the Maldives June on charges of gambling. They were arrested during police raids and caught with large sums of money and card decks.

“I only fear Allah, not the People’s Majlis,” says vice president

PPM secures opposition backing to impeach vice president