MDP raises concern over lack of public consultation in parliament

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Parliamentary Group on Thursday raised concerns over the way legislation is being handled in the People's Majlis, saying bills are being passed without providing enough opportunity for public consultation, debate or amendments.

Speaking at a press conference on the work of the recently concluded parliamentary session, MDP MPs accused the ruling majority of moving government bills through Parliament without consulting stakeholders or allowing the opposition enough time to review proposed legislation.

Galolhu Uthuru MP Mohamed Ibrahim said one of the MDP's main concerns was what he described as the absence of consultation in the legislative process.

He also said government offices had failed to respond to inquiries submitted by MPs on matters concerning the public.

"I have submitted very important matters myself. They must realise that ignoring these is an infringement on our privileges as lawmakers," Ibrahim said.

He also raised concerns over delays in receiving parliamentary agendas and changes being made to agendas at short notice, saying this affected MPs' ability to prepare for sittings.

Ibrahim said opposition MPs were not being given enough opportunity to propose amendments to bills and argued that the current process did not provide for public participation.

"If there were genuine public participation, there would be opportunities to consult various stakeholders and submit amendments," he said.

"We are constantly receiving complaints from members of the general public and business owners."

Ibrahim also alleged that amendments proposed by MDP MPs had been rejected before similar proposals were later submitted by members supporting the government.

Referring to President Mohamed Muizzu's comments that proposals from MPs would be accepted if they were of merit, Ibrahim disputed the statement.

"Right in front of me during a meeting regarding Galolhu, an amendment I submitted was rejected, only for the President to submit that exact amendment," he said.

Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir said bills passed during the session had not undergone the level of committee scrutiny required for legislation affecting the public and the economy.

"What we are witnessing today is the People's Majlis acting as a rubber stamp for whatever the government submits. We receive bills in the middle of the night," Mauroof said.

He alleged that some bills were received at night, given their first reading the following morning and moved to debate later the same day before being referred to committee.

Mauroof said committees were passing legislation without calling sector representatives or experts to provide evidence and advice.

"Bills that impact the entire national economy and the livelihoods of all citizens arrive at midnight, undergo their first reading the following morning, and enter preliminary debate by that afternoon or after the tea break," he said.

"Before anyone can properly debate them, they are sent to committee, where no experts are summoned, no advice is sought, and the bills are pushed through exactly as dictated by the Attorney General or the government."

Mauroof said the MDP did not consider the committee process followed for legislation passed during the session to have met the standards expected of parliamentary scrutiny.

Vaikaradhoo MP and MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Hussain Ziyad said the opposition had held discussions with the Speaker on introducing a more consultative approach to parliamentary work.

"However, this session ended without making any progress," Ziyad said.