Political analysts are sounding the alarm over what they describe as a blatant disregard for the constitution after Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed went more than a week without state-provided security or an official government vehicle—benefits guaranteed under law. One analyst called the delay “pure lawlessness” and warned that the Ali administration’s inaction places Mohamed’s safety at serious risk.
“Mr. Mohamed’s safety and security, as Leader of the Opposition, reside with the state,” the analyst said. “If anything untoward happens to him, it will be blood on President Ali’s hands. The government has a constitutional duty to protect this office, and it is failing spectacularly.”
The warnings follow Mohamed’s own complaints that, despite assuming office last week, he has yet to receive the essential protections and facilities legally owed to him. “It’s a clear case of political persecution and victimisation by the government,” Mohamed told reporters on the sidelines of the National Assembly’s budget debates. “They are trying to strip me of everything. I have no right as a citizen of this country.”
Under the Leader of the Opposition (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act 2010, Mohamed is entitled to full-time security at his residence and office, a government vehicle with a chauffeur, office accommodation, medical benefits, and administrative and domestic staff. He is also to receive a salary and benefits equivalent to a Cabinet Minister.
Yet, Mohamed said none of these entitlements have been provided. He revealed that even prior to his election, he had raised concerns about security and transportation—particularly after the government had removed insurance coverage from his personal vehicles—but was told by Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs that Speaker Manzoor Nadir had denied the request.
“About ten days before my election we discussed the benefits,” Mohamed said. “I asked about a vehicle, and he said no. Now that I have been elected, I am still waiting to see what they will do.”
While Mohamed acknowledged that some benefits may depend on budget approval, he stressed that security and transportation are urgent and cannot be delayed. “These are things that should have been provided for immediately on a transition. This is a constitutional office,” he said.
The Opposition Leader also highlighted personal security concerns, noting that the government had seized all his legally-owned firearms, leaving him without armed protection for himself or his properties. “I had handguns, shotguns, and rifles for protection. The government seized all of them. I now have no armed security,” Mohamed said.
Budget proposals for the Office of the Leader of the Opposition were submitted based on last year’s allocation, with only a nominal increase. In 2025, the Committee of Supply approved $32.5 million for the office.
The Clerk of the National Assembly has said that arrangements for benefits and facilities for constitutional officeholders fall under the authority of the Speaker and follow parliamentary procedures.
