MDP members face backlash for approving Ihusaan; some issue public apologies
Public criticism has mounted against the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) after a majority of its members voted to approve the appointment of Home Minister Ali Ihusan. While the MDP parliamentary group did not issue a specific whip line for the vote, the party stated that members were permitted to vote according to their individual discretion.
From a press conference held by the MDP Parliamentary Group. | Raajje MV
Members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have come under heavy criticism after a significant number of them voted in favor of granting parliamentary approval to Home Minister Ali Ihusaan during Wednesday's sitting.
Members of the MDP parliamentary group have been among the most vocal critics of Ihusan. The group has previously submitted several corruption-related allegations against him to the Parliament. However, with the exception of Galolhu South MP Meekail Naseem and Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad, all other members voted in favor of his endorsement. Kanditheemu MP Ameen Faisal and MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil did not participate in the vote.
The public is demanding a clear explanation regarding the reasons behind the members' decision to grant approval to Ihusaan. Critics continue to assert that the justification for this move must be transparently communicated to the citizens. In the wake of the backlash, some members have issued public apologies for the way they cast their votes. Among those who have apologized are Dr. Ahmed Shamheed and the Member for North Galolhu, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo).
Ahmed Didi, the Deputy Leader of the MDP Parliamentary Group and Member of Parliament for the Maradhoo constituency, stated that the party had not issued a specific whip-line regarding the confirmation of Ihsan. He noted that, as a result, members cast their votes based on their own individual discretion.
The members who voted in favor of Ihsan’s appointment include Mauroof Zakir (Kendhoo constituency), Hussain Sameer (Thoddoo constituency), Dr. Ahmed Shamheed (Hulhumale South constituency), Mohamed Ibrahim (Galolhu North constituency), Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Hanimaadhoo constituency), Mohamed Niushad (Keyodhoo constituency), Ahmed Shakir (Mavashu constituency), and Ahmed Didi (Maradhoo constituency).
The MDP parliamentary group has collectively withheld its approval for Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, Heritage Minister Heena Waleed, and Environment Minister Ali Shareef.
