We should continue with the functions of Majlis, even if it means expelling all 32 members of the MDP: Thasmeen

Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has said that just because 32 members of the Peoples’ Majlis are from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is not a plausible reason to stop the functioning of the Majlis.

Thasmeen said that the functions of the Majlis should continue even if it means expelling all the 32 members of MDPs during the Majlis sessions. He said that the coalition parties have compromised enough with MDP in the Majlis.

Thasmeen said this referring to the recent hijacking of the Majlis Chambers by MDP MPs. They entered the chambers ahead of the scheduled session and occupied the Speaker's Chair and podium. They then tore down the national flag behind the Speaker's Chair, took the Speaker's Chair out of the Chambers, sang and danced on the Speaker's podium, and obstructed the Speaker from entering the Chambers.

MDP MPs were supported by their followers who rioted on all main roads leading to the Majlis, seriously injuring several police officers and damaging the property of those MPs who did not support them. A seriously injured police officer was airlifted to Sri Lanka for medical care. Police arrested 44 individuals engaged in the attacks.

Together with his Ministers, President Dr. Mohamed Waheed waited 10 hours in Majlis premises to discharge his constitutional responsibility to deliver a State of the Nation Address to the opening session, departing only when the session was finally cancelled by the Speaker. 

After 10 hours of obstruction during which ex-President Nasheed's MPs refused several attempts by the Speaker of Parliament Abdulla Shahid to speak with them to discuss a reasonable way to enable Parliament to function, Speaker Shahid postponed the Majlis opening session indefinitely. 

In a press conference, Shahid explained that he had taken this decision in order not to use force to hold Parliament. He condemned the hijacking of the Parliament, saying that "most important institution of the country has been crippled".