Opposition MPs had launched a protest in the first sitting of the last session of the parliament for this year.

The session started at 09.00am on Monday and had concluded in 15 minutes.

MPs were barred from entering parliament floor prior to Speaker Abdullah Maseeh. The security personnel in charge of had carried out this order.

The Speaker’s table had been separated from the rest of the Parliament floor divided off by a barrier. MPs had raised their objections to this, citing that MP Maseeh can no longer serve as Speaker.

The amended motion and report of the General Committee of the Parliament on Clause 207 of the Parliament laws had been put to vote in the short session, while the opposition MPs continued to protest.

Clause 207 of the parliament act concerns on developing better relations with international organizations and parliaments.

Only 28 MPs had voted and was passed by the majority of those who had voted. Fifty MPs had attended today’s session.

Opposition MPs had sent in a motion of no confidence on Maseeh. Forty-five MPs had signed the motion and they argue that this clearly demonstrates that MP Maseeh did not have the backing of the Parliament to sit as Speaker.