Moments after congratulating the Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed, on his election, Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir warned him that he could be sent to the Privileges Committee over “vile” comments targeting the Speaker.

The Speaker told the 65-Member National Assembly that even in the absence of a formal sitting, he has been the subject of “vile” comments by the Leader of the Opposition in breach of the Constitution.

Mr. Nadir said while Members are allowed to criticize the Speaker, they must do so by way of a motion. 

 “A lot has been said in and out of us being in a formal sitting, and especially vile comments emanating from our duly elected Leader of the Opposition, talking about the corruption of the Speaker. Anyone wanting to criticize the Speaker can do so via motion in the House. And so, while I have thick skin, and my 45 years in public life has tempered me well, I am averse to acting firmly, and so, those comments leveled at me by the Leader of the Opposition is still among the items which could possibly go to a Privileges Committee,” the Speaker said. 

The Speaker said Members of the Assembly must acquaint themselves with the Constitution, the Standing Orders and the Handbook for MPs, and act accordingly.

MP Mohamed had repeatedly criticized the Speaker over his failure to convene a meeting of Opposition MPs to elect the Opposition Leader. It took approximately three months before that meeting could have been called, with the Speaker explaining that he was concerned about a “Fugitive” being elected to the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.

MP Mohamed has been sanctioned by the US, and is currently facing an extradition hearing along with his father, Nazar Mohamed on allegations of mail and wire fraud.

The Speaker also informed the House of the official election of the Leader of the Opposition and stated that he has also informed the President that the Office of Opposition Leader has been filled.

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