Malé, Maldives – Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, Zaha Waheed has said that she has not got any information that she might be removed from her ministerial position.
Minister Zaha’s comment on the matter comes while the government has hinted towards a cabinet reshuffle yesterday.
In a letter signed by the Chief of Staff of the President’s Office, Ali Zahir states that important changes to the running of some ministries are to be made to fulfill pledges made to the citizens as soon possible.
Due to numerous concerns by the public, it has been reported that some ministries will see important changes according to a letter sent to coalition leaders of the incumbent government including Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Environment and Energy and Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology.
Minister for the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, Zaha Waheed also faced dismissal through a no confidence motion with signatures of 10 opposition parliamentarians earlier this year, which however did not go through after Kaashidhoo MP Jabir revoked his signature.
In addition to this Parliament’s Regulations Committee had also found Minister Zaha neglectful of her duties earlier this year following its review of the failure of the Fisheries Ministry to create many of the regulations required under the Fisheries Act – regulations which must be established within 90 days of the legislature’s enactment. Speaker of Parliament, Nasheed had also said that Minister Zaha had failed as a minister and that the next step is clear reffering to a no-confidence.
The president has previously stated that MDP’s- the leading party in the governing coalition faced a major loss in the recent Local Council elections in the Greater Malé Region. President Solih noted that this was due to many distressed residents in the region.
At a press conference held at the President’s Office, he noted that election results must be looked at and contemplated. President Solih went on to assure the public that he will investigate and bring corrections to any issues.
The president has previously stated that if he believes that a minister has failed, he will depose that minister himself as he vowed to when he was elected. He added that even the ministers would accept that the interests of the people should be put forth before theirs.
As President Solih is going through his second year in office, 5 ministers in his cabinet have changed and changes have come to slots in 3 ministries assigned to coalition parties. It has been noted by many that none of the deposed ministers are from MDP, the main party of the coalition which holds an overwhelming super majority in parliament.
The most recent dismissal was the Minister for Communication, Science and Technology, Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, who according to President Solih, chose to settle the matter in parliament rather than through internal discussions.
