The People’s Majlis has approved Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan as the new Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture.

55 lawmakers voted in favour of his appointment during the vote held at Monday’s sitting.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih appointed Dr. Hussain Rasheed as the new fisheries after removing Zaha Waheed from the post, as well as with other changes to the cabinet on May 5. While Hussain Rasheed was initially the Minister of Climate, this institution’s was renamed as the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology in May.

Aminath Shauna was appointed as the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology on May 5, who was approved by the parliament with 57 votes on June 8. Majlis approved the ministry’s renaming on June 16.

While President Solih forwarded Dr. Hussain Rasheed’s appointment for the required parliamentary approval, the matter was reviewed by the government oversight committee. While there were reports that the new appointee being a shareholder of a company, the committee noted that the economic ministry has proved this false.

Following the clarification, the committee members voted in favour of his appointment as proposed by Dhangethi constituency MP Mohamed Nazim.

The President’s Office said that the change was part of the president’s “efforts to improve and strengthen public services and ensure the delivery of the administration’s pledges”.