The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Mr. Chairman, I move a traditional cut-motion: that the recurrent and capital allocations under Programmes of Heads 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 scheduled for debate today (Thursday, 27.02.2025) at Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2025, be reduced by Rs. 10 each.

¶ 02 Before my speech, I must note a departure from tradition at the end of the Second Reading debate: historically, the Minister of Finance or his Deputy replies. Instead, the Leader of the House replied with a political speech. That was against tradition.

¶ 03 Also, I draw attention to Aragalaya-related cases. Many citizens who protested are still facing court, travel bans and hardships. The Government should act to withdraw such cases promptly and inform the Attorney-General accordingly, to deliver justice to those people.

¶ 04 Further, while our Foreign Minister in Geneva has referred to the most inclusive Legislature to date, domestically the Parliamentary Business Committee access for some Opposition party leaders has been curtailed. This must be addressed fairly.