Latheef: Some ministers insincere, ‘closeness’ with president will not protect them

Some of the ministers in President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet lack sincerity in serving the public, says Abdul Latheef Mohamed (Latheebe), a lawmaker from the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), adding that some ministers are under the misconception that being close to the president will help them retain their power.

Speaking during an extraordinary meeting of the Parliament on Monday morning, Latheef said that lawmakers need to call ministers for various reasons related to the welfare of their constituents, including to expedite and facilitate certain things.

The Dhidhdhoo parliamentary representative expressed displeasure that some ministers refuse to respond to phone calls.

“The failure of these ministers to pick up their phone is a huge issue. And their failure to do certain things is a huge issue,” he said.

“We can’t be sure that some of these ministers are sincere even towards the president himself.”

Latheef said that some ministers are under the misconception that they are untouchable because they are close to President Muizzu.

He warned that lawmakers have the power to impeach ministers if necessary.

“These ministers act as if they can remain in their positions for a long time because they are close to the president… We had our own ministers removed from power even during the 18th parliamentary assembly,” he said.

“I remind ministers of this today. If you fail to work with sincerity towards us, towards this government and towards the people, you cannot believe you can remain ministers.”

Latheef said that some ministers were “hiding” from members of the public.

He said that lawmakers serve as the link between the government and the people and that nothing good will come out of severing that link.

Latheef said that many people complain that ministers are dodging their phone calls.

“Believing that you can retain your position because you are close to the president is a misconception,” he said.

Multiple lawmakers have expressed concern that they are unable to meet some government ministers either in person or even via phone.

The PNC holds 75 out of 93 seats in the Parliament. The party used its supermajority last year to pass constitutional amendments that would result in loss of parliamentary seats if lawmakers leave or are expelled from their party.