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Speaker Nasheed excused from attending Monday's parliament sitting

Speaker of Parliament and former president Mohamed Nasheed has excused himself from attending Monday’s parliamentary sitting.

Starting Monday’s sitting, Deputy Speaker, Eva Abdulla said three members had excused themselves from attending the session, including Speaker of the parliament Mohamed Nasheed. This is the first time Nasheed has excused himself from attending a sitting since he swore in for the 19th Parliament.

Eva said the former president had been excused to attend a workshop being conducted at K.Thulhusdhoo by Maldives Coral Institute. The Speaker had sent a written note to the parliament informing of his absence, said Eva.

“The purpose of the workshop is to discuss climate change and raise awareness on the damages caused to coral reefs due to infrastructural developmental and based on this, to formulate a plan for the year for the newly established Coral Institute,” said MP Eva, relaying the information in note.

As part of this workshop, several events will be held tomorrow - such as teaching surfing, snorkelling excursions, live music, and art. An experts’ panel discussions on climate change will also be held.

As per the recent amendments brought to parliament regulation, if a member is unable to attend a parliamentary sitting or a committee meeting, a written note should be sent to the parliament requesting for approval to be excused. If such a written record is not addressed, then it will be considered as absent day and salary will be deducted for the missed session.