MPs' law course launch sparks MDP exclusion concerns
Eight members of Parliament have enrolled in the programme.
A new programme aimed at enhancing the legal knowledge of Members of Parliament (MPs) was launched on Monday, focusing on Sharia and law. However, members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have expressed concerns over their exclusion from the program.
The Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) has introduced an Advanced Certificate in Sharia and Law, a one-year course designed to equip MPs with a deeper understanding of legal and judicial matters. Eight members of Parliament have enrolled in the programme.
Speaking at the launch event held at IUM, Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla emphasised the importance of such educational initiatives for lawmakers. He stated that the course aims to ensure that MPs can conduct legislative work with a more scientific and knowledgeable approach.
“This is an initiative that was requested by the parliamentary group leader of the majority party in Parliament and the President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, in alignment with the vision set for the 20th Parliamentary elections,” the Speaker noted.
He also expressed gratitude to the President for supporting and facilitating the opportunity.
Despite the positive intentions behind the course, MDP members have voiced dissatisfaction, claiming they were not informed about the program. MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil revealed that he only became aware of the course through media reports.
“I have not been informed about this programme in any official capacity. It appears to be a course intended only for government members,” Nazil stated.
He further hinted at possible deliberate exclusion of minority party members from the initiative.
Nazil also mentioned that prior to learning about the course, he had already sent a letter to the speaker outlining concerns regarding the functioning of Parliament.
