As public criticism from general party members intensified following yesterday's vote by opposition MDP parliamentarians in favor of granting approval to Home Minister Ali Ihusaan, the members who cast those votes have begun to issue apologies.
The first to post an apology on social media regarding yesterday’s vote was the Member for Hulhumalé South, Dr. Ahmed Shamheed. Following Shamheed, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), the Member for Galolhu North and one of the most vocal representatives in Parliament, also issued an apology today.
Some MDP activists allege that Shamheed is the most influential figure within the MDP Parliamentary Group, which is why he faced the brunt of the criticism regarding the decision to approve Ihusaan.
In a post on X, Shamheed stated that granting approval to Ihusaan and several other ministers was not a correctly made decision and that he accepts responsibility for it.
"I take full responsibility and I apologize," Shamheed said in his post on X.
In his own post on X, Mohamed Ibrahim stated that he sincerely apologizes for acting without thinking deeply enough about the matter.
"...I admit that I made a very big mistake in voting for Home Minister Ali Ihusaan in yesterday’s cabinet approval vote. It was not a vote cast because I support him," Mohamed Ibrahim said.
"And I sincerely apologize for acting without thinking deeply enough about it at that time. I also know that this is something difficult to accept."
Mohamed Ibrahim further assured that he would conduct himself in a manner that ensures such incidents are not repeated in the future.
In yesterday's parliamentary session, only the Member for Galolhu South, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, and the Member for Vaikaradhoo, Hussain Ziyad (Fitte), voted against granting approval to Minister Ihusaan.
It has been learned that during yesterday's vote within the MDP Parliamentary Group to decide on a whip-line for cabinet approval, it was decided to set a "green" light (meaning members could vote as they saw fit or abstain) for all ministers except three.
The decision to vote "no" was specifically intended for Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, Environment Minister Ali Shareef, and Heritage Minister Heena Waleed.
The 10 MDP members voted in favor of Ihusaan while he was already facing heavy criticism over the police raid on the Adhadhu office following their documentary, and the disclosure of private information regarding the youth who passed away at the Maldives National University (MNU) hostel.
Some individuals expressing their displeasure on social media stated that the MDP Parliamentary Group must explain why its members voted to approve Ihusaan. Those expressing concern also included several former MDP members of Parliament.
