MPs Faris and Riyaz voice support for defence minister
The opposition on Monday said that it plans to submit a no-confidence motion against Mariya Didi "next week"
Defence Minister Mariya Didi
Parliamentarians from ruling coalition partners have spoken against a possible no-confidence motion against Defence Minister Mariya Didi.
The opposition coalition, comprising of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC), announced on Monday that they are planning to submit a no-confidence motion against the minster, and that it could be submitted as early as next week.
Dhiggaru constituency MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon took to twitter the same night, to show his support for the first female defence minister in the country’s history.
Noting that he does not believe that the defence minister has done anything to warrant a motion of no confidence, Faris said that he “will vote to defeat any such motion.”
He added that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his cabinet have his full support.
Jumhooree Party (JP)’s parliamentary group leader, Kinbidhoo constituency MP Abdulla Riyaz agreed with Faris, and said that he will ensure that such a motion fails.
Mariya’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) released a statement on the matter on Tuesday, and said that there “is no reason” to submit a motion against the minister.
Rather, the party said that Mariya deserves “praise” for the manner in which she has fulfilled her responsibilities as minister.
Last week, a PPM representative in parliament requested to summon the minister for questioning 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.
