Resolution submitted claiming ministers’ reappointment undermined parliament’s power

A resolution was submitted to the parliament om Wednesday claiming the reappointment of the ministers whom the legislative body denied approval to as undermining the power of the parliament.

Opposition parties, MDP and The Democrats voted to deny approval to Housing Minister Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed, Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and Attorney General Ahmed Usham at the parliament on Monday. Later that evening, all three ministers were reappointed to their respective posts by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

North Galolhu MP Eva Abdulla, a member of The Democrats, submitted a resolution to the parliament on Wednesday, describing the reappointment of the ministers as unconstitutional.

The resolution also said the reappointment amounted to undermining the power vested in the parliament by law to approve or reject the appointment of an individual or the dismissal of an individual to a post. It further described the reappointment as an infringement of the parliament’s power to review the actions of the executive and the parliament’s power to hold the executive branch accountable.

The resolution also underscored that the president’s action could lead to a circumstance where Maldivian citizens' trust in the government is waivered.

In light of these reasons, MP Eva said the resolution was submitted calling to prioritize national interest and reconsider the reappointment, while also calling to respect the constitution and adhere to its provisions.

The Democrats, in an earliest statement regarding the matter, described the reappointment as degrading the constitution.

Meanwhile, MDP had sought counsel on the legality of the reappointment.

On Tuesday, the party’s parliamentary group said Counsel General of the Parliament Fathimath Filza has said the names of the rejected ministers cannot be resubmitted to the parliament for approval a second time.