MPs damage computers on Parliament administrative desk

The MDP MPs who have gone on strike after the no-confidence motion against the Speaker of the Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed, was not held today have damaged computers on the Parliament administrative table.

A video circulating on social media shows MDP MP Abdulla Shaheem Abdul Hakeem taking down and dropping Councilor General Fathimath Filza's monitor. The video also shows Filza picking up a cup of water after the monitor hits it.

Parliamentary Communications Director Hassan Ziyau told Sun today that members gathered near the administrative table and dropped the monitor which hit Filza's phone and shattered it. Keyboards and some documents had water doused on them, he said.

"There will be three computers in a row there. All three fell, and we are looking into what damage was done,” Ziyau said.

When asked if any action would be taken on the matter, he said the matter was still being investigated.

Today’s sitting was canceled due to Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla calling in sick.

Addressing the MPs that were present for the sitting, Secretary-General Fathimath Niusha said the rules stipulate that the Deputy Speaker of Parliament should preside over a no-confidence motion against the Speaker. Therefore, as Eva called in sick today, the no-confidence motion will be on the agenda for tomorrow's sitting, she said.

Due to this, MDP members expressed their dissatisfaction and criticized Niusha.

They are saying that while rules do not specify what to do if the Deputy Speaker is unable to preside over a no-confidence motion against the Speaker of Parliament, the rules do specify what to do if the Deputy Speaker is unable to preside over a sitting in general.

The resolution, signed by 49 MDP members, has been filed in the Supreme Court saying the resolution is being obstructed.

There are currently 56 MDP members in Parliament. A no-confidence motion against the Speaker of Parliament requires 43 votes.