Parliament tables AG no-confidence motion for Monday
Riffath faced criticism from opposition members for failing to appear in parliament.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
Parliament has tabled for a second time the debate on the no-confidence motion submitted by the opposition against Attorney General (AG) Ibrahim Riffath over the government's stand in the delimitation of the territorial waters between the Maldives and Chagos in the south.
The no-confidence motion seeking Riffath's removal was also taken up during Wednesday's parliament sitting. However:
-
Instead of appearing in parliament, Riffath replied in writing
-
Riffath faced criticism from opposition members for failing to appear in parliament
-
Pro-government lawmakers say that as per the constitution, he can respond even in writing
-
Speaker Mohamed Nasheed has sought the Supreme Court's opinion on the issue, saying that no agreement could be reached between the political leaders of the parliament on the matter
While Monday’s agenda has been published on the parliament's website, the first issue is the no-confidence motion against Riffath.
In a subsequent letter to the parliament, Riffath cited the reasons for sending a written reply instead of attending to respond verbally. The written reply was sent in the light of the no-confidence motion against him, according to him:
-
because it involves several legal citations
-
as some people are misrepresenting facts about the manner in which he has acted in the discharge of his duty to represent the state
Pointing out that the reply was not heard in Wednesday’s session, Riffath said he has decided to exercise the right to respond verbally and in person under the constitution. He requested parliament to make these arrangements on the day of the debate on the issue.
A similar no-confidence motion has been submitted against foreign minister Abdulla Shahid.
