Parliament Committee Unanimously Approves New Cabinet Nominees Following Presidential Reshuffle

The Government Oversight Committee of the Maldivian Parliament has unanimously approved the cabinet nominations submitted by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, clearing the way for a restructured administration to take full authority. This approval follows a strategic cabinet reshuffle conducted on April 14 and 15, which streamlined the government's executive branch. The restructuring reduced the total number of ministerial portfolios from 20 to 15, a move designed to enhance institutional flexibility and accelerate necessary reforms. This shift resulted in the resignation of 10 ministers as the administration pivoted toward a leaner governance model. Under the current constitutional framework, all presidential appointees must receive parliamentary approval before they can exercise the full powers of their respective offices. To fill the restructured roles, President Muizzu appointed five new ministers, while nine returning members were assigned to revamped portfolios. The approved nominees include high-profile appointments such as Hassan Rasheed for Defence and National Security, Moosa Zameer for Finance and Public Enterprises, and Iruthisham Adam for Foreign Affairs. Additionally, Ali Ihusaan has been nominated as Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology. Other key appointments include Ismail Shafeeu for Education, Higher Education and Skills Development; Geela Ali for Health, Family and Welfare; and Mohamed Saeed for Economic Development, Transport and Trade. Ahmed Shiyam will lead Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, while Mohamed Ameen takes the helm of Tourism and Civil Aviation. The committee also cleared nominations for Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed (Islamic Affairs and Endowments), Abdulla Rafiu (Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness), Heena Waleed (Arts, Culture and Heritage), Abdulla Muthalib (Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development), and Ali Shareef (Climate Change, Environment and Energy). With the oversight committee's unanimous endorsement, the nominations will now move to the full floor of the Majlis for a final confirmatory vote.