PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Denies Political Motive Behind Committee Reassignments
Photo: People’s Majlis
Ibrahim Falaah, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), stated that the removal of Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azaan from two key parliamentary committees was not politically motivated.
Azaan was removed from the Public Accounts Committee and the Security Services Committee (241 Committee) and was reassigned to the Petitions Committee and the Privileges and Ethics Committee. His positions were filled by Henveiru North MP Ahmed Aifan and Villimalé MP Mohamed Ismail, respectively.
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The changes were announced by Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla during Monday’s parliamentary sitting. Falaah dismissed speculation that Azaan’s removal was linked to his refusal to support amendments to the Courts Act, which sought to reduce the number of Supreme Court justices from seven to five. He emphasised that reassignments within parliamentary committees were routine and had been carried out in previous parliamentary assemblies based on various factors, including attendance and parliamentary group composition.
Azaan, however, alleged that his removal from the Public Accounts Committee was due to his efforts to review corruption cases involving influential figures. He also claimed that his stance on the Courts Act amendment led to his removal. Azaan had been present in parliament on the day of the vote but left before voting began, later stating that he believed the bill was unconstitutional.
Following his actions, Azaan was removed from the PNC parliamentary group’s official WhatsApp group for violating the party’s three-line whip. Reports indicate that he may face expulsion from the party, which could result in the loss of his parliamentary seat. When asked about possible disciplinary action against Azaan, Falaah stated that no action had been taken yet, but the matter would be reviewed.
The bill to downsize the Supreme Court followed weeks of opposition allegations that the government sought to remove justices to influence a case challenging an amendment to introduce anti-defection provisions to the Constitution. The amendment, which was passed and ratified on 20 November, stipulates that parliamentarians who are expelled from their political parties will lose their seats.
Azaan was seen leaving the parliamentary chamber as voting on the Courts Act amendment began. He later stated that his decision was guided by his commitment to prioritising the national interest and his constituents’ welfare, in line with Article 75 of the Constitution. He argued that supporting the bill would violate constitutional principles.
