MDP MPs Seek Answers From Finance Minister Outside Ministry

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentarians protested outside the Ministry of Finance and Planning today, seeking to meet Minister Moosa Zameer over unanswered questions they have submitted.

Speaking to the press outside of the ministry, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir said the MDP parliamentary group is working to hold the government accountable. He noted that the group has submitted 16 questions to the minister, some of which have been pending for nearly a year. Mauroof added that MPs were once prevented from entering the ministry despite attempts to follow proper procedures.

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Dr Ahmed Shamheed, representing South Hulhumalé, said the minister has not engaged with Parliament’s economic committee despite repeated requests. He expressed concern over stalled construction projects and questioned whether delays were due to budget constraints or payment issues.

Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad highlighted questions about the 2025 budget, direct subsidies, and support for low-income citizens, asking how many people have received allocated funds. He also raised queries regarding the Gender Ministry registry and whether obligations had been met, specifically in compiling a registry of low-income individuals.

Kandhitheemu MP Ameen Faisal noted that during recess, MPs typically focus on their constituencies, emphasising the challenges in following up on pending matters.

Despite their presence at the ministry, MDP parliamentarians were unable to meet Minister Zameer or any senior officials to receive a response. They said they were informed an official would meet them and they are willing to wait to get an answer. 

The MDP parliamentary group have previously gone to the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), seeking to hold the government accountable as well. The party plans to hold a protest on October 3, and invited the public to attend it, if they are concerned for the economic state of the nation.