MDP MP Amin Faizal walks out of committee over 'silencing' amendment to Majlis rules

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Amin Faizal walked out of a meeting of the General Committee of the People's Majlis on Tuesday, protesting an amendment to parliamentary standing orders that he said would silence the minority. The walkout occurred during a discussion on an amendment to Article 191 of the Majlis Standing Orders, proposed by independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru. The amendment would require that a resolution be voted on for adoption before any debate can take place. If the majority votes against accepting the resolution, it would be considered invalid without any discussion. Speaking before his walkout, Amin Faizal, the MP for Kanditheemu constituency, said the change would eliminate the opportunity for opposition members to speak on resolutions. He noted that under the current rules, even if an urgent motion is rejected, a resolution on the same matter could still be debated. The amendment, he argued, closes that avenue entirely. “This is something I cannot support in any way. We must have an opportunity to say something in the Majlis. Under this amendment, neither an urgent motion nor a resolution would provide that opportunity,” Amin Faizal said. He acknowledged that the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) holds a majority and could pass the amendment, but stated he did not wish to participate in a meeting considering such a change. The General Committee is currently reviewing the amendment, which was submitted by Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, the independent MP for Thulhaadhoo constituency.