MDP defends action on members; says due process followed

MDP on Tuesday defended the party's decision in removing members, saying the party had taken proper action against the members for violating its charter.

The party's disciplinary committee on Tuesday decided to take action against five members belonging to MDP president Mohamed Nasheed's 'Fikuregge Dhirun' faction. Thus:

Nasheed believes that the action was taken in violation of the party's charter.

Responding to Nasheed's remarks, MDP spokesperson Anas Abdul Sattar told Atoll Times on Tuesday that the committee had acted in accordance with the charter and rules of procedure.

"The committee has followed the same procedure that was followed in the past. There was nothing that was done differently," said Anas, who had earlier served as the party's secretary general.

According to the party's charter, it is the duty of the party's vice-president to chair the disciplinary committee sessions. MDP's vice-president is Mohamed Shifaz, who was recently sacked from the post of minister at the President's Office for supporting Nasheed.

Shifaz did not attend the meetings held on Monday or Tuesday.

"In the past too, we have decided to remove the members without the vice president in the committee," Anas said.

"The decision to expel (MDP's former vice-president) Alhan Fahmy from the party was taken without the vice-president present in the committee session. Due to various reasons, vice-president has either recused himself or not appeared and action has been taken in the past," said Anas, who is also a state minister for finance.

Azim told Atoll Times on Tuesday that the committee did not allow him to respond in the case. When asked about it, Anas reiterated that there was "no difference" between what was done in the past and how this case was dealt.