Nasheed urges not to encroach on parliament's dignity amid deadlock
Nasheed on Sunday decided not to preside over the sittings until a decision is taken on the no-confidence motion against him.
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By
Fathmath Ahmed Shareef
Speaker Mohamed Nasheed on Sunday urged MPs not to encroach upon the dignity of the parliament amid a deadlock over reconstituting the standing committees and simultaneous no-confidence motions against the speaker and deputy speaker.
In a statement, Nasheed said in view of the importance of acting in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, all parties must take into consideration the constitution and the rules of parliament.
One of the characteristics that stands out when it comes to parliamentary rules is the importance given to the secretary general and the counsel general, he said, adding that the "importance and dignity" of the parliament should be retained by secretary general.
The statement said:
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At this moment, motions to remove the speaker and the deputy speaker of the parliament has been submitted to the parliament
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The rules of parliament clearly state the procedures to be followed when such a case is received
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Only the counsel general of parliament can provide "legal advice and legal assistance" to the parliament
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It is clear from the rules of the parliament that the legal assistance and consultation of interpreting the rules of the parliament, whether it is by the leaders of the political parties in the parliament or the MPs, should be sought from the counsel general
Despite rivalry among political parties and some MPs, it is the duty of every citizen and all members of parliament to run the state lawfully, Nasheed said.
"Therefore, no amount of space should be allowed to encroach upon the authority and dignity of the secretary general and other officials of the parliament," the statement read.
A no-confidence motion has been moved in the parliament to remove Nasheed as speaker and Galolhu North MP Eva Abdulla as deputy speaker.
Nasheed on Sunday decided not to preside over the sittings until a decision is taken on the no-confidence motion against him. However, he said he will continue to run all the business of the parliament to the extent that the rules of the parliament are laid down.
The statement came at a time when some pro-government lawmakers have criticised Nasheed and the secretary general of the parliament, asking if the speaker's duties extend only to his whims.
