Housing, defence ministers to be summoned to parliament for questioning

Parliament has been asked to summon two ministers of the new administration, for questioning.

A request sent in by South-Maafannu constituency MP, a representative of the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives, asks to summon housing minister Aminath Athifa Shakoor for questioning regarding the government's social housing projects.

It noted that she will be questioned over reports published by local media outlets, citing Housing Development Corporation (HDC)’s managing director saying that the government intends on bringing changes to the recipient list of the housing flats.

Former President Abdula Yameen’s administration had awarded flats from the ‘Hiyaa’ project to 7,000 applicants, even giving out official receipts days before the transfer of power.

While the previous administration has been accused of misconduct while giving out the flats, President Solih has established a five-member committee to investigate his predecessor’s various housing schemes.

In addition to the housing minister, defence minister Mariya Didi is to be summoned for questioning as well.

The representative of the Mahibadhoo constituency, also from PPM, asked the parliament secretariat to summon the minister over comments made to India’s ‘Strategic News International.’

The minister has been in hot water since the interview aired in late January.

In the interview, Mariya says that "if India wanted to, it could take over the Maldives given its armed strength.” She quickly added that India would not do that because India is there to help the Maldives.

The ministry responded to the backlash via a statement on Thursday, saying that “part of the interview has been omitted to misinterpret what the minister said.”

While the parliament has the power to summon cabinet members for questioning, a 14-day notice must be given for ministers to appear for questioning.