PNC’s response to the opposition: government cannot be stopped, won’t be weakened

Chairperson of People’s National Congress (PNC) and Special Advisor to the President Abdul Raheem Abdulla alleged on Thursday that the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats are working together to bring down the current administration, affirming that the current administration is not one that can be weakened.

The Democrats, which was formed by members of MDP that resigned from the party due to political differences, announced yesterday that they will be working together with MDP to hold the government accountable within the parliament.

The two parties have decided to submit amendments to the Constitution and laws. They additionally agreed to work together to adopt a shared approach in the approval of cabinet members, as well as to work with a united front against certain government policies.

In a press conference held by PNC today, Abdulraheem said MDP and The Democrats were working together to disrupt the current government and that they hold the belief that the current administration is not strong.

“This administration cannot be stopped. This government was elected with a clear difference. Nothing can be done against the people’s decision,” Abdulraheem said.

MDP and The Democrats have decided to submit an amendment to the law to restrict the amount of political appointees that can be appointed. Abdul Raheem said political appointments were the prerogative of the president and it was important for the administration of the government.

“Why did they not make this change when they were in government with the supermajority [of the parliament], having increased political positions up to 1,300? Our president said no more than 700 political appointees will be appointed. So far we have not even reached this number,” Special Advisor to the President said.

He said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu took over the government with a lot of pledges and that he was appointing people to political posts to achieve them.

“I am saying this very publicly, we will not give [them] the opportunity to weaken the government, that cannot be done,” Abdulraheem said.

“We do not support interference into the work of an elected President.”

An extraordinary sitting of Parliament will be convened outside of term on Sunday and the issue of approval of ministers is also on the agenda. At a press conference held by the opposition yesterday, it was revealed that discussions were underway on not approving some of the ministers.

Abdul Raheem said the opposition's failure to approve the ministers also shows irresponsibility. Ministers of all previous governments were approved by the opposition and now it is irresponsible on the part of the opposition to withhold consent to these appointments.

“If they wish to withhold approval, they have the opportunity to do so. However, do not think the government can be stopped. That cannot be done. For example tomorrow if approval isn’t given for Saeed [Minister for Economic Development and Trade], the president still has the power to appoint Saeed to the position the next day,” Abdul Raheem said.

“Therefore this is not something that can stop the administration.”