The no-confidence motion against Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has failed in Parliament today.
A total of 10 MPs voted in favor of the motion, while 54 ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MPs voted to retain the minister.
The motion, submitted by 13 opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs, called for Saeed's dismissal over allegations of neglecting his constitutional responsibilities, failing to remain accountable to Parliament and engaging in conduct prohibited for ministers.
The motion raised five key concerns:
- 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 highlighted several major projects announced by the government to transform the Maldivian economy, alleging that they had stalled.
Minister Saeed rejected the allegations and addressed the concerns raised by the opposition MPs individually during today's parliamentary sitting.
