Former Prosecutor General Muhtaz Muhsin has defended the swift constitutional amendments passed this week, responding to criticism from former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
The amendment, which introduced provisions for the loss of parliamentary seats, was passed by the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led supermajority in just six hours on Wednesday and was signed into law by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu the same day. Former President Maumoon questioned the speed of the process, suggesting it might be a world record for such significant changes.
In response, Muhtaz, speaking on a television program, pointed out that during President Maumoon’s administration, the Judiciary Act was amended within four hours to appoint an individual to the Supreme Court, a move that did not face similar criticism.
“There is no issue when both parties agree on a legislative change,” Muhtaz stated, defending the government’s actions. He added that the recent amendment was a bipartisan decision, noting that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) supported the changes.
“The MDP and its supporters wanted this amendment. They initiated the proposal but could not finalize it even by the end of their term,” Muhtaz explained, emphasizing that the current government completed a process long sought by the opposition.
The amendment, which introduced provisions for the loss of parliamentary seats, was passed by the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led supermajority in just six hours on Wednesday and was signed into law by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu the same day. Former President Maumoon questioned the speed of the process, suggesting it might be a world record for such significant changes.
In response, Muhtaz, speaking on a television program, pointed out that during President Maumoon’s administration, the Judiciary Act was amended within four hours to appoint an individual to the Supreme Court, a move that did not face similar criticism.
“There is no issue when both parties agree on a legislative change,” Muhtaz stated, defending the government’s actions. He added that the recent amendment was a bipartisan decision, noting that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) supported the changes.
“The MDP and its supporters wanted this amendment. They initiated the proposal but could not finalize it even by the end of their term,” Muhtaz explained, emphasizing that the current government completed a process long sought by the opposition.
