Speaker slams minister for inciting violence against MPs

Speaker Mohammed Aslam has condemned the remarks made by Minister for Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef in a manner that encourages violence against parliament members.

Currently, the President is visiting various atolls of the country. Accompanying the president on these official viits, Adam Shareef made these remarks speaking at a rally in M.Dhiggaru. In his speech, he criticized the opposition members.

“I am a little sad as well, there are people in Parliament who have worked with me for four and a half years,” Shareef who served as a lawmaker before resigning to take up his ministerial portfolio said.

"But I just wonder, really, if I were there on Thursday, would I be able to keep myself from smashing their jaws."

In a press release issued on Thursday, the Speaker of Parliament Aslam said that it is inappropriate for a minister to say something that could undermine the safety and security of MPs.

"The Speaker strongly condemns such a statement from a minister, made in front of the President, at a time when MPs are being threatened," it read.

While it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety and security of MPs, the Speaker expressed concern over a minister making such a statement in a manner that encourages people to physically assault MPs.

The Speaker also called on the government to cooperate in ensuring the safety and security of the members and not to encroach on the privileges of the Parliament.

Adam Shareef later apologized on X explaining that he had made the metaphorical remark in jest.