MPs halt debate on the unconstitutional bill on AG nomination

MPs halt the initial debate on an unconstitutional amendment to Audit Act, 2007/4, proposed by Vilufushi MP Riyaz Rasheed in yesterday’s sitting of the Peoples’ Majlis.

The amendment proposed by Riyaz Rasheed seeks to usurp the powers of Executive to nominate the Attorney General (AG) and seeks to give that power of to the Majlis instead.

The sudden agenda of the Majlis to initiate debate on the bill was halted by Maafannu Dhekunu MP Abdullah Abdurraheem. He said that the bill was unconstitutional and debate cannot be initiated on a bill that opposes the constitution.

Although Majlis Chair, Vice Speaker Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim rejected this, Maamigli MP Gasim Ibrahim supported Abdullah Abdurraheem’s initiative to halt the bill. With this the Majlis concluded yesterday’s sitting and restrained further debate on the bill.

Meanwhile, President Mohamed Nasheed has, on April 7, proposed Mr Niyaz Ibrahim as the new Auditor General for approval by the People’s Majlis.