MPs enraged over failure to stop Jabir’s repeated calls for legalization of marijuana

Other parliamentarians expressed concern following the presiding official’s failure to stop Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir’s call for the legalization of marijuana as he reiterated his callings from Monday’s sitting at Tuesday’s sitting.

In Monday’s sitting, MP Jabir called for the legalization of medical marijuana. Subsequently, Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) Makunudhoo MP Mohamed Raee and Kelaa MP Ibrahim Shareef expressed concern over no move from Vilufushi MP Hassan Afeef, who was presiding over the sitting, to stop Jabir from continuing the remarks.

Afeef responded that there is room for in-depth debate on topics at the Parliament, and that it was not against the religion. He further stated that parliamentarians do not engage in religious debates, and allowed Jabir to continue.

Debating at Tuesday’s parliamentary sitting on the bill submitted to amend laws in order to combat increased cyberspace crimes in the Maldives – MP Jabir said that medical marijuana needs to be legalized in the Maldives to increase income and carry out major projects.

“Such projects can be implemented. Legalize medical marijuana. It opens a major market. Will see an influx of dollars,” he said.

Following MP Jabir’s remark, MP Hassan Afeef, who was presiding over the sitting, reminded him that he had raised the point on multiple occasions before giving MP Jabir the opportunity to speak again.

However, yet again, MP Jabir repeated his calls to legalize medical marijuana, detailing the prospective benefits.

Subsequently, MP Raee raised a point of order, stressing MP Hassan Afeef’s also failed to stop similar remarks by MP Jabir during Monday’s sitting.

“I had noted yesterday even that the speaker should stop topics addressed here if it violates the principles of the Islamic religion. If not, these are remarks favored by the speaker. I note the speaker failed to stop the remarks yesterday even,” he said.

Responding to MP Raee’s remarks – MP Hassan Afeef advised MP Jabir to debate on the bill at hand; which he later complied with.

Regulations of the parliament dictate the speaker has the discretion to stop MPs from speaking if their remarks involve themes that violate the principles of the Islamic religion.