The General Purpose Committee of Parliament has approved an amendment to shorten the first session of Parliament and take a recess during Ramadan.
This amendment, proposed by People’s National Congress (PNC) MP Abdulla Rifau (Bochey), aims to reorganize Parliament’s annual schedule.
According to the proposal, the first session will start in January and end by the end of that month. The second session will take place from April to the end of July, while the third session will remain as is, running from September to the end of November.
Since this year’s first session began in February, the second and third sessions will follow the adjusted timeline.
The committee, led by Holhudhoo MP Abdul Sattar Mohamed, passed the amendment without changes, highlighting the importance of maximizing worship opportunities during Ramadan. However, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Ameen Faisal opposed the amendment, stating that work itself can be a form of worship in Islam.
He mentioned that significant battles in Islamic history occurred during Ramadan and noted that civil service employees continue to work for the first 20 days of the holy month.
Despite the opposition, PNC members supported the amendment, arguing that no working days would be lost under the new schedule.
Some members raised concerns about whether Parliament should make a separate amendment each year to accommodate Ramadan. In response, MP Abdul Sattar indicated that the new regulation would remain in effect until 2029.
Any further amendments should be reviewed that year, as it will involve the election of a new Parliament, necessitating a regulatory update.
