PPM seeks second extraordinary sitting to pass revenue bills

Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has filed a request to hold an extraordinary sitting of the parliament after yesterday’s sitting to pass key revenue bills ended amid discord and 'points of order'.

Parliamentary group of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said they will attend the sittings but oppose the revenue bills.

PPM parliamentary group deputy leader MP Moosa Rameez told Sun that the government is facing severe revenue constraints and that the bills are essential. He said the group has written to the Speaker of the Parliament, asking for another extraordinary session to expedite the bills.

“Our 27 members have signed and requested a sitting,” MP Rameez said. However, he said the parliament has not responded.

Items scheduled for yesterday’s sitting include debate on a bill proposed by the government to extend the imposition of Bed Tax until 31 December 2014, which according to Article 35 (a) of the Tourism Act introduced 14 years ago in 1999, ended on 31 December 2013.

Debate was also scheduled for yesterday’s sitting on the bills submitted by the government proposing to increase GST from 8 to 12 percent, and an amendment to the Tourism Act to complete payment of the fee to extend resort lease period to 50 years, in three months.

Parliament went into a two-month recess starting 30 January and is scheduled to reconvene in March 2014 for its final session, which will end on 30 April. According to regulation, the Speaker is required to hold a sitting within 14 days of receiving a motion for an extraordinary sitting.