Friday
19th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
MP Saneef.
During the "Fashamaa" program on Avas News today, Saneef stated that he is unsure why the government did not implement the agreeable changes to the bill criminalizing hate. Saneef was one of the four Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) members who initially voted against the bill in parliament.
During the discussion regarding the report presented to parliament after the committee researched the bill, he was among those who were still strongly against the bill. Saneef was heavily criticized by other MDP members.
Speaking on the matter, MP Saneef declared that bills cannot be drafted for the sake of particular individuals. "Making bills for President Nasheed, bills for President Yameen, and bills for President Solih, this is not the way to make bills", he said, reiterating that bills must be made to solve collective issues.
He further stated that the purpose for drafting the bill, and the way it was compiled were disagreeable. He revealed that initially, the first two articles of the bill were incorrect. Saneef stated he is able to read Dhivehi, and that his level of understanding is similar to the level of understanding of most Maldivians, so he believes his perception was correct.
The bill interferes with the freedom of expression, as it poses obstacles to condemning irreligious acts and preaching religion.
Saneef claimed he was unaware why the government's proposed changed were not incorporated into the bill, and it is concerning that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was not implementing changes suggested by the public.