Parliament OKs appointment of three ambassadors, including Fazeel Najeeb to China

The Parliament approved the appointment of ambassadors to three foreign countries on Monday, including Dr. Fazeel Najeeb, a former central bank governor who lost the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC)’s parliamentary primary in January.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu asked for approval to appoint ambassadors to three countries back in March. They are:

• Dr. Fazeel Najeeb as the new ambassador to China
• Shiuneen Rasheed as the new ambassador to Bangladesh
• Mohamed Thaha as the new ambassador to Saudi Arabia

All three were vetted and approved by the Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee.

The Parliament took a floor vote on the decision on Monday afternoon.

Both Fazeel and Shiuneen received approval with 35 votes, while Thaha received approval with 33 votes.

There were no votes against.

Both Fazeel and Thaha had suffered defeat in the PNC primary held back in January. Fazeel ran for the Central Fuvahmulah seat, while Thaha ran for the Holhudhoo seat.