The opposition coalition has begun participating in parliamentary sittings after a month-long boycott.
The first motion on the agenda of the sitting was submitted by opposition Parliamentarian Ahmed Shiyam. Before speaking on the motion, Parliamentarian Shiyam apologised to the public and his constituents for boycotting the sittings for the past five weeks.
One main reason the opposition boycotted the sittings was a complaint filed at the parliament over the delay in awarding social housing units to its tenants under the Hiya housing project initiated by the previous administration. The opposition coalition also claimed Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed makes decisions as he wishes despite many pending issues of concern by the public.
Another reason for the opposition boycotting the sittings was the belief that the parliament chamber is unsafe for parliamentarians. The boycott began after Parliamentarian Ahmed Shiyam was injured during the altercations which took place during the parliament sitting on June 1.