Proposal to Remove MP Ali Sabri Raheem Presented at Party Leader’s Meeting
A proposal for the removal of Puttalam district MP Ali Sabri Raheem, who was recently arrested for the possession of undeclared gold and smartphones, was tabled at the party leader’s meeting held on May 25th. The proposal was initially presented by Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M. A. Sumanthiran and supported by Opposition MP Lakshman Kiriella. Representatives from the ruling party also agreed to the proposal. The decision reached during the meeting was that MP Raheem should be asked to resign from his post, with a proposal signed by all Members of Parliament.
MP Ali Sabri Raheem Arrested for Undeclared Gold and Smartphone Possession
On May 23rd, MP Ali Sabri Raheem was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake. He was found in possession of undeclared gold and a significant number of mobile phones. The customs officials seized a total of 3.5kg of undeclared gold and 91 mobile phones from the MP, who was returning to the island from overseas. Subsequently, he was fined Rs. 7.5 million and released upon payment of the fine. The undeclared gold and mobile phones were confiscated by the authorities.
The proposal to remove MP Ali Sabri Raheem from his position as the representative of the Puttalam district gained traction during the party leader’s meeting held on May 25th. The meeting, attended by members of various political parties, witnessed the presentation of the proposal by TNA MP M. A. Sumanthiran. The suggestion received support from Opposition MP Lakshman Kiriella and gained consensus among representatives from the ruling party.
The arrest of MP Ali Sabri Raheem at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on May 23rd sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Customs officials discovered a significant quantity of undeclared gold weighing 3.5kg and 91 mobile phones in his possession. The MP had reportedly failed to declare these items upon his arrival in the country after a trip abroad. Such actions are a violation of customs regulations and raise concerns about transparency and accountability.
Following the arrest and subsequent investigations, MP Ali Sabri Raheem was fined Rs. 7.5 million. After paying the fine, he was released from custody. However, the authorities confiscated the undeclared gold and mobile phones, highlighting the seriousness of the offense. The customs officials played a crucial role in ensuring adherence to the law and preventing illegal activities that may compromise the country’s security and economic stability.
Considering the gravity of the situation, party leaders from various political affiliations agreed that MP Ali Sabri Raheem should step down from his position as a Member of Parliament. The proposal to remove him was supported by all Members of Parliament, signifying a united stance against misconduct and the expectation of ethical conduct from elected representatives.
The incident involving MP Ali Sabri Raheem serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and integrity in public office. It highlights the need for individuals in positions of power to uphold the trust placed in them by the electorate. Upholding high ethical standards is crucial to maintaining public confidence in the political system and ensuring the effective functioning of democracy.
The proposal to remove MP Ali Sabri Raheem following his arrest for the possession of undeclared gold and smartphones gained unanimous support during the party leader’s meeting. This incident underscores the significance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct among elected officials. The actions taken by the customs officials demonstrate the commitment to upholding regulations and preserving the integrity of the country’s customs procedures.