51 lawmakers sign no-confidence motion against Maseeh

Lawmakers have submitted a no-confidence motion against Speaker of People’s Majlis, Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed endorsed by 51 lawmakers.

Those who endorsed the no-confidence motion includes several members on his own party, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA).

Speaking press outside the Majlis this Wednesday morning, deputy leader of Jumhoory Party (JP)’s parliamentary group, Kinbidhoo MP Abdulla Riyaz said the 51 lawmakers who endorsed the petition does not include the eight lawmakers who are currently in the middle of legal proceedings at Supreme Court over their parliamentary seats.

Riyaz claimed many important legislative work was on hold because of Maseeh, who he said was obstructing lawmakers from fulfilling their duties.

“This is the third time we have submitted this motion now. We hope we will be victorious this time,” said Riyaz.

Riyaz said he asks Maseeh to resign before the Majlis holds the no-confidence vote against him. And make room for the lawmakers to do “the multiple legislative work that are pending.”

Addu Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam alleged Maseeh wasn’t working in the interest of the people, but was in the position of Speaker to do the government’s bidding.

“He doesn’t consider any recommendations we make before passing budgets and legislature, holds off the questions we have for Cabinet ministers until the end of the year and then rejects it,” said Rozaina, explaining why she endorsed the no-confidence motion against Maseeh.

She said decisions by Maseeh as the Speaker of People’s Majlis no longer possessed any integrity. And that it was best he resigned.

Thulusdhoo MP Mohamed Waheed Ibrahim (Wadde) also said Maseeh refused to provide space for lawmakers to executive their duties.

“Even committees are compiles and its work carried out however they want,” said Wadde.

Makunudhoo MP Anara Naeem said the people’s voice was silenced in the Majlis the past one year due to Maseeh.

She too asked that Maseeh resign from his post.