Economic development minister Fayyaz Ismail criticised speaker Mohamed Nasheed on Tuesday over the delay in debating two key bills proposed by the government on labour rights.
The government-sponsored legislation on industrial relations and occupational safety are crucial to protecting the rights of workers and ensuring economic growth, Fayyaz tweeted.
"It is necessary to put it on the agenda and to debate and pass it. It is as important as resolutions," he wrote, tagging Nasheed.
Fayyaz's criticism comes amid accusations by government officials and lawmakers from the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) that Nasheed has been leading efforts to thwart the administration within parliament.
Government officials previously accused Nasheed of prioritising resolutions from the opposition over bills proposed by the government.
In the wake of a political divide within the MDP, Nasheed formed a new political party under his leadership. But while Nasheed still remains in the MDP, most members of the 'Fikurehge Dhirun' faction formed after he lost the MDP's presidential primary in January have been joining the newly-formed Democrats. Some 13 MPs including deputy speaker Eva Abdulla are among the founding members.
From the speaker's chair in parliament, Nasheed has previously directly and indirectly criticised government policies and president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
