The House of Representatives has dissolved all its Ad Hoc Committees with immediate effect, directing members of the affected panels to halt all activities being conducted in their names.
The directive was issued by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and addressed to the chairmen and members of the affected committees. It was signed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Sidi Ibrahim.
According to the statement, the dissolution followed earlier directives urging the Ad Hoc Committees to conclude their assignments and submit their reports in line with the House’s rules and established procedures.
It said only two Ad Hoc Committees had sought and received extensions in accordance with Order 18, Rule 5 of the Standing Orders. However, the two-week extensions granted to both committees had since expired.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Honourable Members are reminded that Ad Hoc Committees are temporary Committees of the House established for specific and time-bound mandates. They are not intended to subsist indefinitely beyond the purpose and period for which they were constituted,” the Clerk said.
The statement also cited Order 18, Rule 11, Paragraph 5 of the Standing Orders, which sets out “Limitations as to time of Reports” and requires committees to submit their reports within the period allotted to them.
“Having exceeded the time allotted, the continued existence of the Ad Hoc Committees is no longer tenable,” the statement said.
It added that, effective Friday, August 28, 2026, all Ad Hoc Committees of the House stood dissolved and that all activities being conducted in the name of the committees “shall cease forthwith.”
Chairmen of the affected committees were directed to submit all outstanding reports, working documents, records and other materials relating to their assignments to the Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives for safekeeping.
“Honourable Members are kindly requested to take note and ensure strict compliance, please,” the statement added.
