MDP No-Confidence Motion Against Economic Minister Saeed Scheduled for Tomorrow's Majlis Session

The no-confidence motion submitted by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) against Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has been placed on the agenda for tomorrow's session of the People's Majlis. The motion, signed by 13 MDP members, states that Saeed has neglected his responsibilities as defined in the Constitution, failed to fulfill his obligation to be accountable to the Majlis, and engaged in actions prohibited for ministers, thereby justifying a vote of no confidence. The MDP MPs submitted the motion to determine that Saeed has lost confidence and to remove him from office. Among the points highlighted in the motion are the unchecked rise in dollar prices on the black market leading to exorbitant increases in the prices of goods; failure to properly safeguard state assets and public funds with integrity; creating obstacles to accountability before the People's Majlis; failure to protect private businesses; and risks posed to state policy due to amendments made to the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) law. The motion also highlights that despite announcements of various large projects intended to transform the country's economic landscape, these projects remain stalled. Among these points are the failure to generate 400 million dollars in revenue from banking services, the failure to commence practical work on the Maldives Economic Gateway, and the failure to initiate work on the Development Bank services and the Maldives International Financial Centre. According to the motion, Saeed has avoided responsibility by offering irrelevant "political talk" instead of appearing before the Majlis and directly answering questions posed by members. MDP members further accuse that instead of protecting the interests of private businessmen, the government has entered commercial companies with state shareholding into the general business sector, causing harm to many businesses and individuals. The motion states that while one of the main objectives of the Special Economic Zone law was to reduce reliance on tourism and diversify the economy, amendments were made to the law in a manner detrimental to the state, introducing the concept of "Township." It also notes that the Minister is implementing a residence-based investment program called "Maldives PULSE Residence," which allows foreigners to reside for extended periods in townships. While highlighting the program as an issue in the motion, former President and MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed had previously endorsed it, stating that it would benefit the country. However, the motion states that the program paves the way for money laundering and tax evasion, poses a threat to the country's political power structures, and that continuing such matters without any parliamentary approval constitutes an abuse of the powers granted to the Minister by law. The Majlis General Committee had previously decided to grant Saeed one hour to be accountable to the Majlis in this issue, and approved today granting him one hour to be accountable to the Majlis.