MP questions failure to summon two ministers

South Galolhu MP Meekail Naseem has raised concerns over the Parliament's failure to summon two ministers well after the notice duration has passed.

According to the Parliament's regulations, ministers must be summoned and the matter has to be scheduled within 14 days of an MP sending a request to question ministers. It also defines 14 days inclusive of public holidays.

Meekail sent two notices in January; one for Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, and the other for Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan.

However, both matters are yet to be put on the agenda, despite it being 35 days since the current Parliamentary term began on February 6.

In a letter to Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla expressing his concern regarding this delay, he requested an explanation regarding the delay.

Meekail raised a procedural point at the Parliament on February 3 to ask the same question as well. Speaker Abdul Raheem told Meekail that he would look into the delay and provide an answer at a later time.

In his letter, Meekail highlighted that he is yet to be given an explanation, and requested the matter be expedited.

Meekail sent a notice of inquiry to Minister Muthhalib on January 6 regarding the issue ineligible applicants being awarded land plots under the government's Binveriyaa Scheme. He clarified whether any documents needed for the investigation in the matter survived the fire which burnt down the ministry's building.

His second question was sent to Ihusan to clarify whether any action had been taken against those who had signed as witnesses to submit invalid PNC membership forms to the Election Commission (EC)

Since the first session of this year began earlier last month, only one minister has been summoned to parliament.

So far, only one minister has been summoned to the Parliament since the current term began in February.