The Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla has lauded the recent constitutional amendments as “crucial” to ensuring a bright future for the Maldives.
Speaking to PSM News’ “Raajje Miadhu” programme on the Parliament’s achievements during the past year, the Speaker pointed out the recent constitutional amendments as a key highlight of the efforts by the legislative body.
Lawmakers acknowledge the importance of the amendments which were spearheaded by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, he said.
Despite some criticism mainly from the opposition, Abdul Raheem insisted that the amendments are crucial to ensure a bright future for the Maldives and its people.
"We do not believe that laws and regulations should be amended or drafted just for the present. Unless we make laws for the future, the people will not benefit from them,” he explained.
“So with the amendments we have made to the constitution, it gives the people a great deal of confidence that governments will not be able to meddle or change the territory of Maldives so freely.”
The Speaker rejected the opposition led denunciation, insisting that the constitutional amendments have further empowered the people and ensured more oversight of the executive.
"Are the people empowered when the members they elected change political parties whenever or however they see fit? Is it how people are empowered when Parliament members switch parties at the drop of a hat without a say of their constituents and still finish their term?,” Abdul Raheem asked.
Over the past year, five constitutional amendments were enacted, covering anti-defection measures, changes to the Maldives' territory, foreign military deployment, public referendums, and presidential responsibilities. These amendments required parliamentary approval before deploying any foreign military personnel within Maldivian territory and mandated that lawmakers retain their seats only if they remained with their political party.