JP Leader Qasim Ibrahim have said that if he was the speaker of the parliament, President Yameen would not be able to govern the nation like he is doing today. He made this statement after PPM officials said that President Yameen could not govern the nation if Qasim Ibrahim was the speaker of the parliament.
Qasim Ibrahim said that if he were the speaker of the parliament he would not allow the government to conduct projects that could lead to corruption. He said that he will investigate the cases through relevant parliament committees and take action. He said that he will not allow anyone in the government to gain personal benefits by conducting projects at huge costs.
“If I were the speaker of the parliament, I will not allow unconstitutional laws to be passed. Will not allow bills to be passed without it being analyzed by MPs. Will not allow the coffers of the state to be under one person’s authority as well” said Qasim.
In addition he said that if he were the speaker of the parliament he will not allow the constitution to be altered and rights of the people to be curtailed. He said that he will never allow a change which would not protect the rights of all citizens.
“Will not allow roll call votes in the parliament while the voting system in the parliament is working. Will not change the signature requirement of censure motions to 42. I will not allow parliament to be held while some parliament members are detained” said Qasim.
He also said that if he were the speaker of the parliament he will not allow the government to do anything that could ruin the reputation and dignity of the country. Qasim said that he was prevented from becoming the speaker of the parliament because President Yameen knows these things.
“The parliament has done all these things. President Yameen planned everything in advance to do these things. The country is going bankrupt and the people are oppressed because the parliament allows that to happen. If I were there nothing like that would have happened” said Qasim.
Furthermore he said that if he were the speaker of the parliament he would not allow the security forces to enter the parliament and manhandle the parliament members or “throw them” over the walls of the parliament.
Qasim said that even through the president has the authority to appoint the chief of defence force and the commissioner of police, he would pass legislation to prevent the president from dismissing them. “Because it has not been done, 2 CPs were dismissed. I believe that even now the senior police officers are following unlawful orders because they fear that they might get dismissed. That is why they are acting that way” said Qasim.
Qasim said that the parliament members cannot be suspended and that members can be sent out from a specific sitting based on their actions but they cannot be suspended. He said that members should be brought to parliament sittings and committee meetings, and that they cannot be prevented from attending the sessions saying that they are being investigated. He said that if it is done, then it is being done unlawfully.
Qasim said that if he were the speaker of the parliament he will not delay holding the inaugural session of the parliament and will inaugurate as stated in the constitution. Qasim said that the country is facing this situation now because the parliament inaugural session was not held as stated in the constitution and because the parliament was not able to do parliament’s duty. “That is why the country is facing this situation” said Qasim.
In addition he said that while there is a censure motion submitted to the parliament, no amendments to the procedures of the parliament can be made and that it is not done in any other country. “This cannot be done and I would never do such things” said Qasim.
Qasim said that it is unconstitutional to announce a state of emergency because the government wanted to arrest two judges. He said that if he were the speaker he would not have allowed the extension of the state of emergency and that he would take action through the parliament. Law doesn’t permit to announce a state of emergency just to arrest 2 judges.”
In addition he said that the legislation on the judges cannot be amended after arresting two judges and that a law cannot be applied on an event that happened before the law was created. “Even if we consider the constitution and the Islamic principles it cannot be done. It cannot be done and if I were there I would not allow it” said Qasim.
He further said that he has never done anything unlawful and unconstitutional and that he was not given the chance to be the speaker of the parliament because President Yameen wanted to have his way with the constitution and the laws. “he used all his power, not to give me that chance – the country is facing the consequences of that today” said Qasim.
Qasim said that when he was the speaker of the parliament which drafted the constitution, he has proved that he will abide by the constitution without any hesitation.
If I were the speaker of the parliament, President Yameen would not be able to govern the country like he is doing today – PPM is right. : Qasim Ibrahim
