The no-confidence motion submitted by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) against Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed in August is on the agenda for Wednesday's Parliament sitting.
The motion, signed by 13 MDP MPs, accuses Saeed of neglecting his constitutional responsibilities, failing to remain accountable to Parliament and engaging in conduct prohibited for ministers.
The MPs have called for Saeed’s removal from office, declaring that they have lost confidence in him.
The motion raises several concerns, including:
- The steady rise in the black-market US dollar exchange rate and the resulting increase in commodity prices;
- Failure to manage state assets and finances with integrity;
- Obstruction of parliamentary accountability;
- Failure to protect private sector businesses; and
- Amendments to the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act that the MPs say threaten state sovereignty.
The motion also highlights several major projects announced by the government to transform the Maldivian economy, which it says have stalled.
These include plans to generate USD 400 million in revenue from banking services, the Maldives Economic Gateway, the Development Bank and the Maldives International Financial Centre.
According to the petition, Minister Saeed was summoned to Parliament but evaded questions from MPs, engaging in “political talk” instead of directly addressing their queries.
MPs also accused the government of failing to protect private businesses, alleging that state-owned companies had been brought into commercial activities and that businesses and individuals had been intimidated.
The motion further argues that the SEZ Act was originally intended to reduce the economy’s dependence on tourism and promote diversification. However, it alleges that amendments to the law have been made to the detriment of the state, including the introduction of the concept of “townships”.
It also raises concerns over the Maldives Pearl Residence programme, which offers foreigners the opportunity to obtain long-term residency in the townships through investment.
The programme was also discussed in connection with the motion. Former President and MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed has previously expressed support for the initiative, saying it would benefit Maldives.
However, MDP’s motion alleges that the programme could facilitate money laundering and tax evasion and pose a threat to the country’s political sovereignty.
The Parliament’s General Committee had earlier decided to give Minister Saeed one hour to respond to the allegations.
