There should not be double standards to deal with disobeying MPs: Thasmeen

 Leader of the main opposition DRP has criticised the ruling MDP Government for their policy of double standards in dealing with MPs of the People's Majlis when a MP does not leave the Chamber of the Majlis at the order of the Speaker after repeatedly disobeying the Speaker to sit in his seat during point of orders or other disrupting behaviour.

Thasmeen was speaking to the media referring to the removal of Vaikaradhoo MP Ali Arif, Galolhu South MP Ahmed Makhloof and Gemanafushi MP Ilham Ahmed during Tuesday's meeting of the Majlis. MPs from break away faction of the DRP called Z DRP had blamed speaker Abdulla Shahid for holding a unscheduled night meeting previous Tuesday to elect the Permanent Committees of the Majlis. Z DRP and some opposition and independent MPs have accused the Speaker holding the meeting and the election against the Rules of Procedure and Z DRP MPs vowed they will not allow the meetings to continue unless a fresh vote is taken to elect the committees.

Thasmeen said although he disapproves disrupting the Majlis meetings unless there is a serious matter, but there should not be discriminative actions by the government to handle disobeying MPs. He said there were many occasions when MDP MPs had disobeyed the Speaker but National Security personnel were never used to remove them from the chamber. He said the Government must apply same actions to MPs of any party or independent MPs when they do not obey the orders of the Speaker.

Thasmeen also said Tuesday saw MDP activits and members staging a protest outside the Majlis which is a prohibited area to hold protests. They were climbing the gates of the Majlis and disregarding the rules. However, the Police did not attempt to stop the protest and disperse them. However this was not the case when DRP held protests near the President's Office and Residence.

The DRP Leader said he does not like National Security personnel to be used for such matters. He also pointed out he is seeing the use of National Security persons for political matters which he does not approve. He blamed the Government for this and stated National Security is a special force tasked with special responsibilities.

Thasmeen however said he hopes that there will be equal treatment and handling of MPs in future in such circumstances. Thasmeen noted this was the first time when National Security persons were assigned to enforce the order of the Speaker to remove disobeying MPs out of the Chamber.