MPs have to become exemplary to strengthen democracy: Karimullah

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretary General Karimullah Akbar Khan has said that the Parliament Members have to show an example in conduct and behavior.

Speaking to press after concluding his trip to the Maldives, on invitation of Parliament Speaker Abdullah Maseeh, Karimullah said that democracy in Maldives was young and that the MPs were even younger and unseasoned.

As such, he said the MPs needed additional training and information, noting the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association was willing to lend assistance. He noted that this had been noted both by the Parliament Speaker and the political parties.

Karimullah said the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association was not a political organization and that it only works to strengthen the existing framework. He added the Association did not seek out to punish their members, but focused on reform and improvement.

“I did not come here in an investigative manner or to find issues to punish. We want to provide assistance to the Parliament,”

“This is my third trip to the Maldives. The purpose is to streamline the Parliament to bring in progress and development to the nation. Find areas to improve on and help achieve that,”

He also highlighted on the role of the opposition. Karimullah said the responsibility of the opposition party was to hold the government accountable, review what the government is carrying out and halt issues like corruption. However, he said that disagreeing to every motion the Government puts in, without considering public needs was erroneous.

“With this questioning motives and accountability have to be given precedence. Otherwise, issues will keep on rising,”

Karimullah said that resolutions for issues submitted to parliament can be resolved by discussions between the MPs, noting that the resolutions can be found for by debates in order to ensure the public receive the best benefits from the Parliament.

Karimullah added that even MPs were not above the law, adding that if in the case the MPs carried out an act, not meeting their position, they must be reviewed and action must be taken where appropriate.