Qasim: Maldives-India treaty ‘unfairly advantageous’ to India

The treaty between Maldives and India for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters is unfairly advantageous to India and should not be passed by the Parliament, says Qasim Ibrahim, the leader of government coalition party Jumhoory Party (JP).

The Cabinet gave its go ahead to the treaty in February. But the Constitution requires parliamentary approval before an international treaty can be implemented.

The Independent Institutions Committee provided its approval to the treaty following evaluation and presented its recommendation to the parliamentary floor this Monday.

Speaking at the debate, Qasim, who is a member of the Independent Institutions Committee, said he did not approve of the treaty, and said it would open room for India to take unfair advantage.

“This isn’t right. Please don’t. No parliamentarian should speak in support of this,” said Qasim.

He said the Maldives should revert back to its foreign policy during the presidencies of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Ibrahim Nasir.

He also objected to the fact that the 15-member Independent Institutions Committee made its decision to approve the treaty based on the vote of 5 members.

The committee took its vote on the treaty last week. Nine members attended the meeting, and the decision to approve the treaty and forward it to the parliamentary floor was made with the vote of five members.

Heated words were exchanged between Qasim and the Chairperson of the Independent Institutions Committee, Maradhoo MP Mohamed Shareef, during the committee evaluation of the treaty.

Another Independent Institutions Committee member, deputy leader of People’s National Congress (PNC), Maavashu MP Mohamed Saeed also expressed concern over the treaty during this Monday’s debate.

Saeed said the treaty would require disclosure of confidential business information of foreign investors. He warned that it will result in loss of trust by foreign investors and will adversely affect the Maldivian economy.

“I recommend a review of the scope of the agreement. Business and industry is the main pillar of the independence and sovereignty of a nation. And especially – ensuring a safe environment for investments,” said Saeed.

Saeed said the officials from Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) who were summoned for questioning during the committee evaluation of the treaty, admitted it did not study the treaty.

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentarian Eva Abdulla said the treaty will not affect the independence and sovereignty of Maldives. She said India has similar treaties with over 30 countries. And that neither the banking sector, the economy, nor the sovereignty of the 30 countries were affected.

“This concern, in reality, is over investigation into embezzlement. Because of the attempt to find money launderers, drug traffickers, terrorism advocates. This is where their concern lies,” said Eva.

She said the treaty called for cooperation within the rule of both Maldivian and Indian law.

HIGHLIGHTS OF INDIA-MALDIVES TREATY

• Mutual assistance in stopping crimes
• Mutual assistance and cooperation in enforcing court summons, court orders, and other judiciary matters
• Mutual cooperation between law enforcement agencies to stop crime and investigate crime
• Mutual assistance and funding for anti-terrorism efforts, and efforts to stop other crimes
• Mutual cooperation in investigations and judicial reform
• Mutual cooperation in criminal matters at the widest possible scope in accordance with the laws of the two countries and the articles of the treaty
• Mutual assistance in investigations, trials and matters related to reaching a verdict
• Expenses need to be covered by the country which makes the appeal for assistance
• Wider scope for obtaining evidence and questioning suspects or persons of interest for purpose of investigations

The treaty, if passed by the Parliament, will become the first such treaty to be signed by Maldives.

The Parliament is scheduled to vote on the treaty later this Monday.