The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) decided to vote against approving the appointment of Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed over allegations of corruption and prioritizing of self-interest, the opposition party has said.
Responding to a question at a press conference yesterday, MDP Parliamentary Group (PG) Leader Mohamed Rasheed Hussain (Bigey) said detailed discussions concerning each minister had taken place at a PG group meeting on the approval issue.
The decision to reject Shaheem was made after discussing complaints made by some MDP MPs accusing him of corruption and pursuing self-interest, he said.
"Various members of the PG group have shared allegations of work contracted to a company with a family interest where he held shares before, after transferring his shares during this government."
Bigey said further that the MDP PG decided to reject some ministerial appointments as approved by a majority after extensive discussions and consideration of many matters.
Dr. Shaheem's appointment was rejected with 31 MPs voting against, 30 MPs voting in favor and eight MPs abstaining. In addition to Shaheem, Parliament also rejected Attorney General Ahmed Usham and Housing Minister Dr. Ali Haidar.
However, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu reappointed the three ministers who did not receive parliamentary approval.
The Islamic Ministry held a special function yesterday after Dr. Shaheem's reappointment as Islamic Minister. Speaking at the ceremony held to welcome him back, Shaheem said the ministry was doing important work in the service of the country and Islam.
"You face these things in the political arena. But I have no ill will in my heart. True confidence is a totally different confidence. That is love and support from the public," Shaheem said.
Shaheem said he was encouraged by the outpouring of support from the public on social media, adding that he was pleased that the rejection vote had coincided with the inauguration of the ministry's action plan.
