Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s Parliamentary Group (PG) Leader Mohamed Rasheed Hussain (Bigey) has quoted Parliament's Counsel General Fathimath Filza as advising that names of cabinet members who were rejected from receiving parliamentary approval cannot be sent back for parliamentary approval again after reappointment.
In yesterday's parliament sitting, 3 members of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's 22 member cabinet did not achieve parliamentary approval.
These three members are Attorney General Ahmed Usham, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed.
However, just hours after the parliament's vote against them, President Dr Muizzu reappointed the same individuals back to their earlier cabinet positions, holding a ceremony at the President's Office yesterday evening where they took their oath of office.
While legal experts are debating whether the President holds the legal prerogative to conduct this reappointment, MDP PG Leader Hussain has said in a press conference today that he has participated in a meeting between the Parliament's President, Secretary General and Counsel General.
"The Counsel General clearly stated in this meeting that names of the rejected members cannot be submitted again to the parliament seeking approval," the PG leader said.
As per MP Hussain, the party does not accept that the President's actions in reappointing rejected Ministers are in alignment with the Constitution.
However, he said that in the instance the names of the ministers are submitted to parliament again, the party's parliamentary group will hold deliberations again before deciding on a course of action.
Thulhaadhoo MP Hisaan Hussain described the President's actions as a direct challenge to the legislative from the administrative branch of the State.
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