MP Ziyad: Members applauding when Ministers fail to provide answers is a shameful moment in parliamentary history

Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad has criticized People's National Congress (PNC) lawmakers for applauding when ministers fail to provide answers on critical public matters, describing such behavior as a shameful moment in parliamentary history.

Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP parliamentary group on Wednesday, MP Ziyad stated that Health Minister Geela Ali failed to address critical questions concerning the public, despite being well-versed in providing responses regarding events that occurred between 2018 and 2023.

Noting that this was a coordinated effort, MP Ziyad stated that the 30-minute window allocated for questioning was being intentionally wasted. He expressed concern that while the failure to address critical public matters was a serious issue, PNC members were instead celebrating and applauding the obstruction. He described this as a regrettable situation and remarked that such conduct is a source of shame in the history of the Parliament.

Furthermore, MP Ziyad expressed concern over the lack of a response to a question posed to the Minister of Defence two years ago, noting that the matter remains unaddressed.

"The Minister has resigned, and there is a different Minister in place now. They told me to ask again if I still wanted an answer. My question was very clear and concise: Are there any clauses in the agreements made with India that pose a threat to the sovereignty of the Maldives? This is a simple 'yes or no' question. Yet, after two years, they claim the Minister has changed and I must resubmit the inquiry. Furthermore, we questioned the Ministry of Finance regarding the annual expenditure on salaries for individuals appointed by the President under Article 115 of the Constitution. This is very straightforward. Article 115 does not cover recruitment for state-owned enterprises like Fenaka or HDC; appointments under this article are made directly by the President's Office. The President's Office would have all this information readily available. We posed the question to the Finance Minister, but the Minister failed to provide an answer."

Hussain Ziyad, the Member of Parliament for the Vaikaradhoo constituency.

During the press conference, Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumalé constituency, also expressed concern regarding the current proceedings of the Parliament.

MP Shamheed expressed his primary concern regarding the current conduct of Parliament, noting that a lack of substantive work has forced a single amendment to be dragged out for an entire week. The MP further highlighted that committee meetings now typically last only about 15 minutes per month.

The only matter currently before Parliament is an amendment concerning the tuna industry submitted by the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO). Today, only one member was given the opportunity to debate the bill. This is simply because there is no other business to attend to, leaving us with no choice but to drag out discussions on this single amendment for the entire week.

Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the Hulhumalé South constituency.

MP Shamheed stated that a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee was scheduled for today, but was canceled just as it was set to begin. The MP expressed concern over the conduct of ministers when attending Parliament, further alleging that the government is failing to take the necessary steps to ensure accountability.