MDP Files No-Confidence Motion Against Transport Minister Ameen
MDP’s parliamentary group holding a press conference today, April 29 | Photo: Parliament
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has submitted a no-confidence motion in Parliament against Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen, citing alleged interference in a criminal investigation and mounting public pressure following the fall of a woman from a building in Malé.
At a press conference held today, MDP leader Ibrahim Nazil announced that 12 MDP lawmakers signed the motion. The move comes amid ongoing youth protests demanding Minister Ameen’s resignation over his alleged links to individuals connected to the case.
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The incident concerns a 21-year-old woman who fell from Henveiru Fentoniya. According to police, the woman had visited Maandhooge Dhekunuge earlier that night along with others before the incident occurred. Raudh Ahmed Zilal was present in the Fentoniya with the woman when she fell from the building. He was arrested a week later.
Allegations have since surfaced linking Minister Ameen to the case through close familial ties—he is the uncle of Izdiyaan Mohamed Maumoon and Yoosuf Ahmed Akram, both of whom were questioned by police in connection with the case but were not arrested.
Further controversy surrounds Ameen over claims that he contacted police officials during the investigation.
South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Nasym today stated that police were not able to obtain security footage from Maandhooge Dhekunuge, where Ameen’s family resides, due to reported damage to the CCTV equipment.
“The live broadcast of the police press conference confirms that Minister Ameen contacted the commissioner during the operation. It is also a fact that the police could not retrieve any CCTV footage from the Minister’s house, as the cameras were reportedly damaged,” Meekail said.
Minister Ameen has denied any involvement, stating he was overseas on the night of the incident. Despite his denial, the missing footage and his familial links to individuals questioned in the case have drawn public criticism.
To pass a no-confidence motion against a cabinet minister, a majority of the 93-member Parliament must vote in favour. However, with only 12 seats, the MDP faces long odds, as the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) and its coalition partners hold a commanding supermajority.
