Nazim denies claims, resigns from deputy speaker position
Nazim also stated that he would continue to work in support of the rule of law and the welfare of the public following his resignation.
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Ahmed Nazim has resigned from his position as Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis shortly before Parliament was due to consider a motion seeking his removal from office.
The motion had been submitted by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), which holds a majority in Parliament. The matter was scheduled for debate and a vote during Sunday’s sitting.
Nazim, the Member of Parliament for Dhiggaru constituency, announced his resignation in a statement issued shortly before the sitting was set to begin.
The move follows a decision by the PNC parliamentary group on 13 May to submit a no-confidence motion against Nazim. The resolution was later submitted to Parliament with the signatures of members of the ruling party.
In the resolution, the PNC alleged that Nazim had repeatedly acted in ways that created division within Parliament and undermined parliamentary proceedings.
The resolution accused him of:
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Misusing his position to create division and show bias;
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Demonstrating political bias during parliamentary proceedings;
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Failing to protect the rights and privileges of members;
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Neglecting responsibilities associated with the office of Deputy Speaker; and
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Obstructing members from carrying out their constitutional duties.
In his statement, Nazim rejected all allegations contained in the resolution, saying no evidence had been provided to support the claims.
He stated that no complaints had ever been lodged against him for violating the Constitution or the Parliament’s Standing Orders during his tenure as Deputy Speaker or as a member of Parliament.
Nazim further said that:
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He had never prevented any member from carrying out their duties;
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He had facilitated members in performing their responsibilities within the limits of the law;
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He had not engaged in conduct that disrupted relations among members; and
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He had not abused the authority of his office.
Nazim said he had carried out his duties in accordance with the law and had treated all members equally.
“Despite this situation, since all members of the ruling party’s parliamentary group have signed and submitted a proposal to remove me from the post of Deputy Speaker, I believe that responding to it is the civilised way under democratic principles,” he said.
“Therefore, while denying all allegations made against me without exception, I have resigned from the post of Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis, effective from this moment.”
Nazim also stated that he would continue to work in support of the rule of law and the welfare of the public following his resignation.
