Central Maafannu MP Asma Rasheed (PNC) who was previously removed as Chair and member of the parliament's Social Affairs Committee has been reinstated. 

At the start of today's parliament sitting, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla announced that Asma had been reappointed to the Social Affairs Committee.

At a committee meeting held later today, West Maafannu MP Mohamed Mustafa Ibrahim, also from PNC, who had chaired the committee since Asma's removal, announced his resignation. 

Asma was then nominated and appointed Chair. 

After being declared Chair, Asma stated that although she had been away from the committee for a short while, her heart remains with the committee and that this is the committee she most wishes to serve in. 

"It was very hard for me to stay away from you. However, everything is now resolved, and I am back here to work with you again," Asma said. 

Asma Rasheed was removed from the Social Affairs Committee following controversy over a message she sent to constituents ahead of a public meeting with the president.  

In the message, she asked constituents to inform her if they wished to pose a question or relay a message to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during a public audience.

She later apologised, saying in a press release that her intention had been to collect the views of constituents who might not have the opportunity to speak directly to the president at the event.  

However, in a message sent to MPs at the time, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said the purpose of the meetings was to allow the public to address him directly, submit letters or share concerns themselves.  

Another controversy surrounding Asma came to light during the recent Local Council Elections as well. A recording of a phone call was leaked on social media where Asma allegedly spoke of how the ruling PNC could not win an election without her. Discord between Asma and the party leadership has since been resolved.