Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla has requested parliamentarians to maintain decorum and avoid language that undermines the dignity of the Parliament.
The Speaker’s remarks followed Galolhu South MP Mikaeel Ahmed Naseem referring to some parliamentarians as ‘bots’ of the government during Wednesday’s debate on banning the Israeli passport in the Maldives.
During the debate on the resolution introduced by the opposition MP Mohamed Ibrahim, Mikaeel alleged that the entire agenda of the Parliament is dictated by the President’s Office, through controlling individual members of Parliament. He described such MPs as “puppets or bots” under the control of political parties.
“What we are now seeing is this Parliament being operated by [President] Dr. Muizzu for the purpose of controlling the PNC elected members. Honorable Speaker. Is this what the people’s representatives want today? Do these representatives of the Maldivian people wish to be puppets or bots controlled by political parties?” Mikaeel questioned.
Following Mikaeel’s remarks, the Speaker urged MPs not to speak in a manner that would not undermine the dignity of the Parliament. He reminded MPs of their responsibility to uphold parliamentary honor and professionalism.
“Honorable Member. I kindly request that you refrain from using language that undermines the dignity of the Parliament. Speaking in phrases implying that honorable members of the Parliament are ‘bots’ diminishes the respect and honor owed to this institution and its representatives,” he said.
