Parliament became heated up on Wednesday morning after Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem clapped at opposition, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
Minister Shaheem was summoned to the Parliament on Wednesday to answer questions put forth by lawmakers.
During the time allocation for additional questions, MDP’s parliamentary group leader and South Hithadhoo constituency parliamentary representative Ibrahim Nazil said the contractor has reported the development of the Islamic Centre in Hithadhoo – a project intiated by the MDP administration – remains stalled as they have not been paid. Nazil questioned why this had happened.
MDP’s parliamentary group leader, South Hithaadho MP Ibrahim Nazil. (Photo/People's Majlis)
“The information you have shared is categorically false,” Minister Shaheem said while starting off his response.
In this regard, Shaheem assured that all payments billed by the contractor has been settled. The Minister attributed the delays in the project to awarding it to a contractor that lacks capacity.
This prompted Nazil, alongside some other MDP lawmakers, to loudly protest.
“Honorable MP, please listen. After asking a question, you must listen to its answer,” the Minister urged before continuing with his response.
According to Minister Shaheem, the current administration has paid all contractors which the former administration failed to pay. He added that contractors under the Ministry had worked without payment during the former administration.
The Minister detailed that the current administration has settled MVR 170 million in pending dues for former administration’s projects.
“You are providing us with false information,” he stressed.
Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. (Photo/People's Majlis)
Nazil continued loudly protesting, following which Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim, who was presiding over the sitting, intervened, urging the lawmaker to listen to the Minister’s response.
Minister Shaheem resumed his response, citing the Ministry was in MVR 50 million debt when he assumed office.
“[The last administration] left after putting the Islamic Ministry in MVR 50 million debt. [You] should be ashamed to asked questions,” the Minister concluded. His response received applause from ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) lawmakers.
However, it drove the Parliament into chaos, with PNC’s senior deputy parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Shujau and Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir also loudly protesting.
“Honorable lawmakers, please sit down,” Deputy Speaker Nazim urged as he tried to restore order on the Parliament floor.
Despite the appeal, Nazil got up and went up to the minister’s box, where he continued his protest. Several MDP lawmakers followed, including Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyadh. Some lawmakers also got up from their seats to stop the lawmakers.
While majority of the lawmakers returned to their seats after a short while, Mauroof continued his protest. Subsequently, he was named and removed from the floor.