Parliamentary proceedings halted in Maldives as opposition MPs engage in fight, video surfaces
Male(ANI) – The Maldives Parliament witnessed violence when government MPs (PPM/PNC party) disturbed the proceedings of Parliament and the Speakers, according to local online news outlet Adhahdhu.
A key vote on parliamentary approval for the Muizzu government was scheduled for today.
As dramatic visuals surfaced on social media from Male, a fight between MDP MP Isa and PNC MP Abdullah Shaheem Abdul Hakeem was seen.
According to Adhadhu, one video showcased Shaheem gripping Isa’s leg and the two falling together, whereas another visual that went viral on social media showed Isa kicking Shaheem’s neck and pulling his hair.
The footage also shows other members pushing Shaheem out of the area. A member of parliament was brought to an ambulance after suffering injuries, the local media reported.
Notably, the ministers’ approval was slated for 1:30 pm. However, several PNC members barricaded the House and disrupted the session.
The demonstrators said that accepting the ministers would stymie progress, as they demanded the Speaker of Parliament to quit.
The ruling coalition parties, the PNC and the PPP, released a statement portraying the ministers’ refusal as an impediment to the delivery of public services, according to Adhadhu.
However, Chief Advisor to Muizzu and PNC Chairman Abdul Raheem Abdullah stated that the ministers have the right to be reappointed even if they are not authorised.
He criticised the refusal to approve the ministers as irresponsible.
Quite recently, two opposition parties in the Maldives came out against the current regime over its ‘stark’ anti-India pivot.
