President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has criticized delays in parliamentary approval for ambassadors appointed to several countries, accusing the opposition majority of holding up the process.

Speaking in Maavah during an official visit to Laamu atoll islands, the President noted the importance of the People's Majlis for fulfilling his pledges. The current Majlis does not cooperate with the government, he reiterated.

"Seeking the necessary approval for ambassadors that we need to send abroad is now at a Majlis committee. This is really a very small thing. But they won't hold the committee. They just won't do it. It's just getting prolonged. We are unable to send the ambassadors," he said.

The President urged the public not to vote for candidates who would stall the public's affairs.

President Muizzu sought parliamentary approval for the appointment of ambassadors on February 6 and March 13. Three nominations were sent first and two nominations were sent later. All of the appointments are under evaluation by the Foreign Relations Committee.

The appointments include:

• Masood Imad - Sri Lanka
• Dr. Mariyam Shabeen - Malaysia
• Geela Ali - Belgium and European Union
• Mohamed Luveiz - Singapore
• Dr. Salma Rasheed - permanent representative to UN offices in Geneva

The committee has completed interviews with some of the nominees but the appointments have yet to be put to a vote at the Parliament floor.