Wednesday’s parliamentary sitting has been cancelled without explanation. 
The Parliament’s standing orders require the legislative assembly to hold sittings three days a week – on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Some lawmakers who spoke with Sun said they were not informed of the reason behind the cancellation of Wednesday’s sitting. They also expressed the view that parliamentary sittings should not be irregular or cancelled without a valid explanation.
“Have to inquire from the Parliament Speaker why the sitting was cancelled. We are not aware why sittings are being cancelled,” a lawmaker said.
Many parliamentary sittings have been cancelled prior to this as well.
At the time, lawmakers stated that sittings were being cancelled due to a lack of work.
Opposition MDP members also voiced concern over the cancellations happening without proper justification.
Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla had explained then that the sittings were cancelled because there was no work scheduled on the floor, though he emphasised that committee work was still proceeding.
Notably, parliamentary sittings have been cut short as well, while lawmakers were requesting the opportunity to debate.
The public has always scrutinized the high salaries of lawmakers, citing that they do not perform work that justifies the high salary and other benefits they receive.
At present, lawmakers receive a monthly salary of MVR 82,500. In addition to their salaries, lawmakers receive substantial committee allowances, significantly increasing their overall earnings.