Malé, Maldives – Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, MP of North Hithadhoo Constituency Mohamed Aslam has expressed his concern over the disciplinary issue submitted to parliament convicting MNDF of not complying with the 241 Committee.
Speaking at the press conference hosted by the 241 Committee, MP Aslam said that as a parliamentary member as well as the Chairperson of the 241 Committee, he is deeply concerned over the disciplinary issue submitted to the Ethics Committee accusing a certain authority of not providing necessary information to the 242 Committee.
I was deeply concerned when i learned that a disciplinary issue was submitted to Ethics Committee outlining a certain authority’s refusal to give information to the Committee. I do not have any details of the issue and I am not even on the Committee.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, MP of North Hithadhoo Constituency Mohamed Aslam
In addition to this, MP Aslam stated that he communicated with the Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed and Deputy Speaker Eva Abdullah in relation to the case. He noted that if such issues are to occur, it would effect the inquiry of the Committee and that he requests all authorities to fully comply with the Committee’s investigation.
MP Aslam made the statements while the case submitted to Ethics Committee by Speaker Nasheed accusing Deputy Minister of the Defence Ministry of violating the Parliament’s privileged was dismissed by the committee. This has caused heated exchange between members of MDP.
Zameel’s case was sent to the PGO without the approval of the Committee on Member’s Privileges and Ethics. The committee decided during last night’s meeting that the case against Zameel will not be forwaded as the Minister of Defence, Mariya Ahmed Didi should be held responsible for the letter sent to parliament instead.
MP for Dhangathi Constituency, Mohamed Nazim who had previously served as the Defense Minister of Maldives backed up the statement released by MNDF and agreed that individual MNDF officers cannoted be summoned under the guidelines of MNDF but the superiors of that force can be summoned in behalf of them.
Defending the ministry’s decision, Minister Mariya had explained the reason why it is not allowed for individual MNDF officers to be summoned for inquiries.
Minister Mariya stated that under sector 24 of the MNDF guidelines, any information the officers recieved while in service is forbidden to be shared with anyone else other than those mentioned. They are the superiors of MNDF, the court, the most superior members of the Police department.
Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdullah Shamaal was summoned to the Parliamentary Committee on National Security yesterday to question over the security breach of Former President and Current Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed during May 6 terror attack. The committee has also decided to summon Defence Minister Maria Didi to the committee although a certain date has not yet been announced.
Following the terror attack against the Former President on May 6, criticism has been aimed mainly at MNDF with allegations that they have failed to provide necessary security for the Speaker.
The police is currently investigating the cause behind the attack on the Former President. 4 individuals have been arrested so far, all of them indicating radicalisation. The Parliamentary Committee is investigating into the security breach of the Speaker following the terror attack.
