Nasheed is most autocratic speaker in parliamentary history: Rozaina

MDP MP from Addu Meedhoo constituency Rozaina Adam lashed out at speaker Mohamed Nasheed on Tuesday, saying that he is the most "autocratic" speaker to ever preside over the parliament.

The debate first heated up during the discussion on the proposed tax hike in the entire parliamentary committee on Tuesday, over the allegation that the government was trying to raise taxes without expert consultation. The pro-government lawmakers expressed displeasure over Nasheed's statement that even if a three-line whip was issued by the party's parliamentary group, the bill would only be put to vote after consulting experts of the field. Pro-government members feel that Nasheed cannot make the decision without a vote.

Referring to a statement made by MDP MP from Henveiru West constituency Hassan Latheef during a debate on the government's bill to amend the Evidence Act after the entire parliamentary committee discussion, Rozaina said if everything went well, everyone would be very happy. She said that if the parliament also followed the rules, then all members of the Majlis would be very happy.

"But that isn't how things are going on, is it? The rules of the parliament are only on paper. Sometimes it feels like the rules with the chair and the one on the table of the members are two things," Rozaina, who is also the president of the party's women's wing, said in a veiled attack on the party president. 

"We are now seeing the most autocratic speaker in the history of the parliament. I'm sorry I have to say this. He is the president of our party."

Rozaina and MDP members supporting the government became disgruntled when Nasheed, as he did not allow for a time extension on the proposal of the entire parliamentary committee examining the tax increase bill.

"When the committee was in process, members proposed to extend the time and when it got support, it should be put to vote," Rozaina said, noting that she had spent 15 years in parliament.

"But it was decided today, in a completely totalitarian manner, that he did not wish to extend any time, or allow for the vote, or even talk about it further."

Rozaina, who has verbally attacked Nasheed in the past, said she had been patient for the past four years without talking about Nasheed's "autocracy".

"Initially, when the parliament started, he said that he was the rule of the parliament. We are now seeing how that is progressing," said a visibly upset Rozaina.

Rozaina listed examples of Nasheed's alleged autocracy:

"Once we’ve reached this level, we have to struggle a lot to work here. We also understand that the current Speaker of the parliament is a former president. But this isn't the president's office," Rozaina spoke, shaking her index finger.

"This is the parliament. The speaker of parliament does not have the authority of the president of the country. The parliament should function as per the rules of parliament."

While Rozaina criticised Nasheed, Villufushi MP Hassan Afeef was presiding over the sitting. When Rozaina ended her pontification and slammed the microphone down on her table, the sound of her water glass lid falling down onto the table could be heard throughout the parliament.

Nasheed told the entire parliamentary committee that he would not propose an extension of the committee's time and that the committee should conclude when their time was up.

"Once (scheduled), the committee will begin again. The parliament rules are in place and not for us to stay here all day," Nasheed had said, referring to the proposal submitted by Dhidhoo MP Abdulla Waheed that the committee should continue today until the bill review is completed.