Deputy Speaker of the People's Majlis and PNC MP for Eydhafushi constituency Ahmed Saleem (Red Wave Saleem) has requested parliamentarians to engage in scholarly debate when bills are introduced to parliament.

Saleem presided over today's sitting of the People's Majlis.

Today's sitting featured debates on a government-sponsored bill to amend the Utility Regulatory Authority Act.

The Deputy Speaker requested members to conduct scholarly debate following remarks made during the debate by PNC MP for Feydhoo South constituency Ibrahim Didi.

During MP Didi's speech, Saleem requested the member to stick to the topic of the bill.

Saleem stated that when speaking on bills, he urges members to engage in scholarly debate regarding the specific clauses within the bill.

He added that true information regarding a bill can only be clarified to the public through scholarly debate on its articles. He also expressed his hope that debates would proceed in this manner, noting that the members of parliament are educated and capable individuals.

The amendment to the Utility Regulatory Authority Act was proposed to expand the Board of Directors of the Utility Regulatory Authority (URA)—including the Chief Executive—to seven members and broaden its responsibilities.

On behalf of the government, the bill was introduced at today's parliamentary sitting by MP for Vilufushi constituency Hassan Waheed.