The General Purpose Committee of Parliament has approved an amendment to shorten the first session of Parliament, allowing a recess during the holy month of Ramadan.

Proposed by People's National Congress (PNC) MP Abdulla Rifau (Bochey), the amendment restructures Parliament’s annual schedule. Under the new arrangement, the first session will begin in January and conclude by the end of the month. The second session will run from April to the end of July, while the third session remains unchanged, spanning from September to November.

Since this year's first session began in February, the second and third sessions will follow the revised schedule accordingly.

The committee, chaired by Holhudhoo MP Abdul Sattar Mohamed, passed the amendment without modifications, citing the importance of providing more time for worship during Ramadan.

However, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Ameen Faisal opposed the change, arguing that work itself is considered a form of worship in Islam. He highlighted that key battles in Islamic history occurred during Ramadan and noted that civil service employees continue working for the first 20 days of the holy month.

Despite the opposition, PNC members defended the amendment, asserting that no parliamentary working days would be lost under the new schedule.

Some members raised concerns about whether Parliament should introduce a separate amendment each year to accommodate Ramadan. In response, MP Abdul Sattar clarified that the new regulation would remain in effect until 2029. Any further adjustments should be considered that year when a new Parliament is elected, as it will require a broader regulatory review.