Committee meeting with MMA Governor held closed

Today's meeting of the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, which central bank Maldives Monetary Authority Governor Ahmed Munavvar attended, has been held closed.

Munavvar attended the committee meeting on his own request, to share updates of the dollar shortage Maldives is facing, and some of the efforts being undertaken by the MMA.

Munavvar requested for today's committee meeting to be held closed. This led to a difference in opinion amongst committee members, with two proposals being made.

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Abdul Ghafoor stated that he did not believe the meeting should be held closed as important information relevant to the public was to be shared.

"I don't think the entire committee meeting should be held closed. If there is something to be said confidentially, that can be done. The public needs to know these questions that are being asked and the work that is being done. How will we improve things if we do everything in secret?"

Ghafoor said that the regulations only call for matters related to national security to be discussed in closed meetings, adding it is not right for all matters to be conducted behind closed doors.

South Hulhumale' MP Dr Ahmed Shamheed seconded this opinion.

Ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MP Mohamed Mamdhooh, however, proposed that the Governor's request be granted and the meeting be held closed. Mamdhooh said that if any information discussed needs to be shared with the public, that can later be done.

North Henveiru MP Ahmed Aifan seconded this. This proposal passed with votes in favour from six members at the meeting.