Opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Parliamentary Group Leader Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik has forwarded a no-confidence motion against Minister of Defense, Mariya Ahmed Didi.
Speaking at a press conference held by opposition coalition on Monday, Nihan stated that coalition members have signed the no-confidence motion against the Minister.
The opposition PG leader expressed hope that the Parliament will place the motion on the agenda within 14 days as per Parliament regulations.
The People’s Majlis has also confirmed that the motion has been submitted.
Progressive Congress, comprising of former President Abdulla Yameen’s PPM and People’s National Congress (PNC), hinted the possibility of forwarding the no-confidence motion against the Defense Minister on the 18th of February, following which parliamentarians of the ruling coalition had spoken against it.
Parliament was in early February asked to summon the Defense Minister over comments she had nade in an interview with India’s “Strategic News International”.
Dhiggaru constituency MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon and Jumhooree Party (JP)’s parliamentary group leader, Kinbidhoo constituency MP Abdulla Riyaz have since come to her support, saying that Mariya has not done anything to warrant a motion of no-confidence. While Riyaz gave his assurance that he will make sure the motion fails, Faris expressed his support for President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his cabinet of ministers.
Ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to which the minister belongs, also released a statement saying that there is no reason to submit the motion.
The interview in question, was aired in late January following which the Defense Minister has been under fire.
In the interview, Mariya says that "if India wanted to, it could take over the Maldives given its armed strength.” However, she was quick to add that India would not do that because India is there to help Maldives.
In her defense, Mariya publicized a statement saying that part of the interview had been omitted to misinterpret what she had said.
