During a special session of the People’s Majlis on Monday, Dhidhdhoo constituency MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed, commonly known as Latheefbe, voiced strong concerns regarding the conduct of certain government ministers. Representing the People’s National Congress (PNC), Latheef highlighted issues of inaccessibility and questioned the sincerity of some ministers in serving the Maldivian populace.
Latheef emphasized the necessity for Members of Parliament to maintain open lines of communication with ministers to facilitate and expedite services for citizens. He expressed frustration over instances where ministers failed to respond to calls, stating, “The issue of these ministers not answering the phone is a big problem. And the issue of not doing things is also a very big problem.”
Further, Latheef challenged the assumption held by some ministers that their close association with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu secures their positions indefinitely. He reminded the assembly that the People’s Majlis possesses the authority to dismiss ministers who do not perform their duties earnestly, referencing past instances from the 18th Majlis where ministers were removed from office. “If they do not work sincerely for this government, for the people, they should not think that they can remain in their positions,” he asserted.
The PNC, which leads the current government, holds a supermajority in the 20th Majlis with 75 out of 93 seats. This majority has enabled the party to enact significant constitutional amendments, including provisions that result in members losing their parliamentary seats if they are expelled from the party or choose to leave voluntarily.
Latheef’s remarks underscore a broader discourse on governmental accountability and the imperative for ministers to remain accessible and dedicated to their roles in serving the Maldivian people.
