Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla has said that he does not have the authority to withdraw bills or items presented to Parliament. His statement came during a debate on the proposed state budget for the next fiscal year, following criticism from Meedhoo MP and MDA leader Ahmed Siyam Mohamed.

Siyam criticised the budget, calling it "lacking detail" and claiming it failed to address the development needs of constituencies. He argued that MPs are elected to represent their constituencies and cannot properly discuss the budget without clear details.

"This is the first time in 21 years that such an unclear budget has been presented," Siyam said, demanding that it be withdrawn and resubmitted with more information.

In response, Speaker Abdul Raheem said the power to withdraw or amend the budget lies with MPs, not the Speaker.

The debate has raised concerns among some MPs about transparency and the inclusion of local development projects in the budget.