Members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have come under criticism after several MPs voted to approve Home Minister Ali Ihusan following the government’s cabinet reshuffle.
Only two MDP MPs; Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem and Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad voted against Ihusan’s appointment. 10 MDP members backed the minister despite internal and public criticism.
According to sources, MDP parliamentary group had agreed on a voting position ahead of the sitting, classifying most ministerial appointments as “green” while opposing three; Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, Climate Minister Ali Shareef and Heritage Minister Heena Waleed.
The vote on Ihusan drew particular backlash following recent events involving the police, including a raid on the office of Adhadhu newspaper and the public disclosure of personal information related to a death at the Maldives National University hostel "Dhanaal".
Critics including former MPs and party activists questioned why opposition members who had condemned the incidents ultimately supported the minister.
In a post on X, former MP and former Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla said voters and the party’s national assembly would expect MDP MPs to stand against what she described as abuses of power, adding that members should be held accountable.
Aik Ahmed Easa, a member of the party’s legal affairs committee, also questioned whether opposing the police raid only to approve the minister responsible undermined the party’s position.
Activist Maimoon Mohamed described the vote as a “shameful day” for party supporters.
Former MP Mohamed Raee criticised the party leadership, alleging that decisions were being made without endorsement from the national assembly and warning this risked weakening the party.
MDP parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Nazil could not be reached for comment, and the party leadership has yet to publicly respond.
Explaining his dissent, Meekail said his vote against Ihusan was based on concerns over the handling of personal data, including the DNR database issue, and what he described as restrictions on press freedom.
