MDP MPs say wearing ties won't restore parliament’s respect

Opposition MDP MPs said on Monday that wearing ties will not bring respect to the Parliament, arguing that accountability and transparency are more important to uphold the institution’s dignity.

The remarks came during a debate on the General Committee’s amendment to the Rules of Procedure, which proposes formal dress requirements for MPs.

During the session, members of the ruling PNC criticised some MDP MPs for attending sittings without ties. Several MDP members had stopped wearing ties as a protest against what they described as the government’s continued failure to present ministers before Parliament within the timeframe required by the rules.

Responding to the criticism, Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad said that enforcing a dress code while failing to follow other parliamentary procedures undermines the institution.

“If we come wearing ties and retain the dignity of this Parliament, there is no point in us debating here. There is no point in speaking for the people. Everyone is wearing four ties,” he said.

Ziyad added that public respect for Parliament depends on the conduct of MPs, not on what they wear.

“Even if we put on 10 or 12 ties, this place will not be honest,” he said.

He also argued that Parliament must investigate alleged corruption and administrative misconduct if it is to maintain public confidence.

Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir supported Ziyad’s position, saying the focus should be on ensuring ministers appear before Parliament rather than enforcing a dress code.

“This is not the time to force things. If we are forced, we will come to Parliament wearing ties around us. But even if we wear ties around us, there will be no respect or dignity for this Parliament anymore,” he said.

The amendment under discussion proposes that MPs wear formal or traditional attire during sittings, and that breaches of the dress code could result in disciplinary action under parliamentary rules.