The People’s Majlis has rejected a no-confidence motion against Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed.
Of the members present, 54 voted against the motion and 10 supported it. The motion was filed in August by 13 MDP lawmakers and introduced on the floor by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir. It required 47 votes to pass.
The opposition charged Saeed with neglecting constitutional duties, obstructing parliamentary oversight, and failing to address the black-market dollar rate, which has exceeded MVR 21 against the official rate of MVR 15.42. Other points included management of state assets, protection of local businesses, and amendments to the Special Economic Zone Act.
In his defence, Saeed said the Maldives Monetary Authority holds statutory responsibility for the exchange rate. He reported that roughly USD 1.94 billion has been released through official channels under the current administration, compared with about USD 1.75 billion under the previous government over a similar period.
This is the third unsuccessful attempt this term to remove a cabinet minister via no-confidence motion.
