Ali Sabry Raheem not eligible to remain as an MP: March 12 Movement

• Former MP Anura Daniel who was the first member of Parliament to be charged with smuggling. He was expelled from Parliament by the then President late J. R. Jayewardene and thus set an example

Ali Sabry Raheem who was recently nabbed trying to smuggle mobile phones and gold is not eligible to remain as an MP, the March 12 Movement which is an organization committed for clean politics said yesterday.   

The MP through his action has confirmed the negative perception which people have developed on politicians of today,,” the Convener of March 12 Movement Rohana Hettiarachchi said yesterday.   

“The offence committed by the MP by trying to smuggle in gold and mobile phones worth Rs 72 million is to be taken seriously,”.   

“It has be found out whether the MP has committed similar offences in the past. The fine imposed on the MP under the Customs ordinance is questionable. the Maximum fine has not been imposed on him. It is also questionable whether the customs ordinance is suitable for today’s needs. Imposing a fine of Rs 7.5 million cannot be considered as an enforcement of the law,”.    “It was former MP Anura Daniel who was the first member of Parliament to be charged with smuggling. He was expelled from Parliament by the then President late J. R. Jayewardene and thus set an example.