Tag: maldives

Majlis committee rejects 8 cabinet nominees

The parliament’s Executive Oversight Committee has rejected eight of 15 ministers in President Abdulla Yameen’s cabinet.

However, President’s Office Spokesperson Ibrahim Muaz Ali has told Minivan News he was confident all ministers will be endorsed on the parliament floor regardless of the committee’s views.

The Executive Oversight Committee rejected Minister of Defence and National Security Mohamed Nazim,, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Adheeb, Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer, Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Health and Gender Mariyam Shakeela, Minister of Transport and Communication Ameen Ibrahim, Minister of Finance and Treasury Abdulla Jihad, and Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Muizzu.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs holds six of ten seats in the committee.

Ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) MP Ahmed Nihan proposed casting a single vote for the full cabinet. However, the proposal failed with MDP MPs voting to vet each cabinet minister separately.

Pro-government members claimed it is crucial that the People’s Majlis fully endorse President Yameen’s cabinet in order to facilitate the government to function at its full capacity.

Pointing out that the Majlis had voted for former President Mohamed Nasheed’s cabinet as a group rather than separately, MP ‘Redwave’ Ahmed Saleem said it was “unacceptable” for the opposition to act differently now.

In reply, the MDP said the eight rejected nominees were “ministers of the coup government,” as they had served under former President Dr Mohamed Waheed after the controversial transfer of power on February 8, 2012. Nasheed had resigned amidst a police and military mutiny and his deputy Waheed assumed the presidency. MDP maintains the transfer of power is a coup d’etat

In addition to Waheed’s ministers, MDP members also refused to endorse Home Minister Umar Naseer.

Despite this being his first appointment to any cabinet position, MDP members claimed that based on various speeches he has previously given on political podiums, it is “evident that he will not be loyal to Yameen”.

All ten committee members in attendance voted to endorse the remaining seven cabinet members. These consisted of Minister of Foreign Affairs Dunya Maumoon, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Dr Mohamed Shainee, Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Education Aishath Shiham, Minister of Youth and Sports Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, and Attorney General Mohamed Anil.

Although Foreign Minister Dunya – Yameen’s niece and former President and PPM leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s daughter – has not held a cabinet post in Waheed’s government, she had served as State Minister of Foreign Affairs during his term.

While the committee will present its views to the parliament floor, it is the votes of the full parliament which will decide cabinet endorsement. Voting on the matter is currently scheduled for Monday, December 30.

MDP must facilitate an elected government

President’s Office Spokesperson Ibrahim Muaz Ali has stated that the MDP’s justification for refusing to endorse eight of the government’s cabinet ministers is “unacceptable”.

Muaz said that the MDP is the party that had advocated most for the establishment of an elected leader, and as such has the responsibility of facilitating elected President Yameen’s government to fulfill the needs of the citizens.

“MDP claims they cannot endorse these ministers as they belonged to what they say was a coup government. The fact of the matter is, even though they were previously in Waheed’s government, it is now a leader elected by the people who are re-submitting their names,” Muaz stated.

“MDP has always claimed, straight from the beginning, that they will extend cooperation to run a democratic government. Endorsing the cabinet is the best form of cooperation they can show. In any case, there is a culture of endorsing any president’s first cabinet in this country,” he continued.

“Despite the committee rejecting eight cabinet ministers, the government is confident they will receive endorsement from the parliament’s full floor. The government has a very good understanding with the leadership of MDP. And there are also discussions being held between the government and MDP on a number of matters,” Muaz said.

According to Muaz, the government and opposition are holding discussions on numerous matters including cabinet endorsement and budget approval.

Muaz said the government is continuously emphasizing the importance of cabinet endorsement and budget approval in order for the PPM to fulfill citizens’ needs, Muaz said. He also said the MDP is putting forward a number of suggestions, but declined to reveal details.

Speaking at Thursday’s Unity Day event, President Yameen has also appealed to the parliament to endorse his cabinet, urging to set aside differences in political opinion for the betterment of the nation.

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Rifts in government coalition over proposed budget

Ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) and coalition partner Jumhooree Party (JP) have exchanged harsh criticisms following disagreements over the proposed budget for 2014.

President Abdulla Yameen has said coalition partners must let the PPM decide on the allocation of funds for the state budget.

In response, Jumhooree Party leader (JP) – and third placed candidate in this year’s presidential elections – Gasim Ibrahim has criticized the PPM for its alleged failure to consult the JP in compiling the proposed budget. Gasim’s backing was crucial in Yameen’s presidential win.

He is also the chair of the parliament’s Budget Review committee.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Yameen called on coalition partners to approve the proposed budget, saying “It will be impossible for the government to work for a common goal if coalition partners are to decide upon what amount of funding needs to be included in the budget for separate projects.”

Only the government will know how to draft a budget in the “best interests of the people,” he said, adding that a coalition can only work if there is cooperation within it.

The PPM had promised the JP over 30 percent of cabinet positions, parliamentary seats, and local government seats in exchange for the party’s support in the second round of presidential polls.

Yameen said that coalition members must not view the alliance as an opportunity to guarantee themselves what they want from within the government, nor should it be seen as a chance to bring out whatever number of candidates they wish to compete in an election.

Instead, forming a coalition is in itself an agreement to abide by the decisions of the main party in the said alliance, he said.

It is unnecessary for citizens to know details about a coalition or the agreements about what is promised to each coalition partner, he added.

“To view it with a united mindset and approve the budget we have proposed is the first step that our coalition partners can take to serve the people. There must be unity, or at least sincerity, in our coalition partners. For MDP, or another opposing party, to have opposing views is perfectly acceptable. But if there are to be major differences in the viewpoints of our coalition members, that is not what we made a coalition for,” Yameen said, criticizing members of his coalition.

“If at the initial stages, coalition partners themselves are to stand up and criticize every issue that arises about our proposal, I really do not see how I will be able to fulfill the people’s needs,” Yameen said.

“When figures for expenses are simply written and the budget is passed as such, while knowing it is not possible to get the said funds, and then the government fails to raise the funds written in the budget for specific projects, it is the government who will be held to account by disgruntled citizens. It is not the parliament, nor our coalition members, who will then have to be answerable, but us,” he continued.

The president stated that he or his government would only bear responsibility for unfulfilled pledges and policies if the budget is approved by parliament as it is.

“If the budget is not passed as it is, and multiple changes are brought to it, then I will not take responsibility for not being able to deliver as planned,” he said.

Parliament has scheduled voting on the budget for tomorrow.

Government held no discussion with coalition about budget: Gasim

Budget Review Committee Chair Gasim Ibrahim – who himself proposed 14 amendments to the budget – responded to Yameen’s comments stating that the government has failed to hold any discussions about the budget with coalition partners.

“Despite being a part of the coalition, the government held no discussion whatsoever with us regarding this budget. Proof enough of this fact is the number of amendments I have submitted to the budget. Had they held initial discussions with us prior to submitting the budget, I would not have had to do this today,” he said, submitting his amendments to parliament on Thursday.

“I am both a coalition member and the Chair of the parliamentary committee tasked with budget review. And yet, we have had no suggestions or discussions from the government,” he continued.

Among the 14 amendments proposed by Gasim, he has included a suggestion to add MVR 6 million to the budget of the Local Government Authority, MVR10 million to the budget of the Maldives National University and MVR5 million to the budget of Prosecutor General’s Office, all in a way that does not increase the total amount of the annual state budget.

Earlier in November, Gasim spoke in a party rally about the government’s failure to provide the promised state positions to Jumhooree Party, while adding that it may be due to PPM being “hectically engaged in other government matters” and expressing confidence that Yameen and party leader and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom will not “deprive [his party] from benefits”.

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Bill seeks state funds for president’s private residence

Pro-government MP Riyaz Rasheed has submitted a bill to parliament seeking state funds to cover costs at any residence the president decides to live in.

According to the draft bill, if the president or vice president and their families decide to live in a place other than the official state residences, the state must provide funds to hire sufficient staff, cover overhead expenses, and maintain security at the chosen residences.

President Abdulla Yameen has announced he will reside in his personal home, while Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed and his family live in the state residence Hilaaleege.

Increased Muleeage budget

Despite Yameen’s decision to reside in his personal home, the allocated budget for the official presidential residence Muleeaage has increased by MVR2 million (USD130,208) in the draft budget for 2014.

The allocated budget for the presidential residence currently stands at MVR19.1 million (USD1,243,486).

Earlier in December, Parliament’s Budget Review Committee Chair Jumhooree Party (JP) Leader and MP Gasim Ibrahim said the increased budget was necessary in case Yameen decides to move to Muleeage.

If Rasheed’s bill is passed, the state will be funding both the president’s stay at his personal residence, as well as expenses for running the unoccupied official state residence.

Highlighting the increased budget for Muleeage, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP and International Spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafoor described Yameen’s decision to live in his personal house as a “symbolic act.”

“Unlike in the past, even media points out inconsistencies in what leaders say and what reality presents these days. I do not believe the public will be deluded about any of this,” Hamid said.

“While Yameen might have thought his decision will get people thinking that he is a humble man, reality is that ultimately, the state is having to spend much more of its funds to maintain this decision of his. People are much more aware now than in previous PPM times. People can see he’s just trying to score political points,” he continued.

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State failed to follow majority of February 8 recommendations: HRCM

Independent institutions and the government have failed to implement the majority of the recommendations given by following a investigation into human rights violations during a brutal police crackdown on opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) protesters on February 8, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has said.

Even after one and a half years, only three of the 17 recommendations regarding systemic issues have been fully implemented, HRCM President Mariyam Azra said at a press conference today.

The commission has not yet revealed which of the recommendations were implemented fully, or how much of the other specific recommendations have been implemented.

The report dated 28 May 2012 contained a total of 28 recommendations, 14 involving the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and seven involving the Police Integrity Commission (PIC).

Other institutions that the HRCM had proposed recommendations to were Maldives National Defense Force MNDF), the Department of Judicial Administration, Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) and Ministry of Education.

HRCM recommended the the MPS and PIC investigate the “disproportionate” use of force in violation of police regulations . The report also stated that legal action should be taken against the officers responsible for such offences.

Both the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI) set up to investigate the transfer of power and the PIC had made similar recommendations regarding the police service.

Members of the PIC have labeled actions of some police officers on February 6, 7 and 8 as crimes and have asked the Prosecutor General to prosecute officers  and recommended Ministry of Home Affairs suspend them.

Meanwhile, more than hundred protesters are being charged with terrorism and obstructing police duty in connection to incidents that took place on the same day.

MDP has called the charges “politically motivated” and demanded they be dropped immediately.

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Tsunami survivors still without permanent housing

President Abdulla Yameen has said 427 families who survived the devastating 2004 tsunami still require permanent housing.

During a speech on the occasion of the National Unity Day – commemorating the impact of the tsunami –  Yameen pledged to provide all families with housing in the next year.

“This government will provide housing for all those who were deprived of it with the tsunami, we will do it in 2014 according to the government’s manifesto” Yameen said.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM)  has said that a number of complaints were submitted to the commission by victims of the disaster in 2013. Among these were twelve cases related to damages to houses, of which five cases have been resolved.

Among them was a case involving the government asking people of Meemu Atoll Kolhufushi Island to repay the funds given for repairing damages to their houses.

The commission had also received complaints regarding lack of permanent shelter, compensation for damages caused to houses  and delays in housing projects.

HRCM President  Mariyam Azra has requested the government to take initiative in providing permanent shelter for those currently living in temporary shelters as soon as possible.

Speaking to the media today, commission member Dr Aly Shameem said he hopes the government works towards consolidating democracy and human rights by formulating an action plan as soon a possible.

“We haven’t seen the new government announcing any major policies to consolidate democracy and human rights yet, but the government have assured their full cooperation to the human rights commission,” Shameem said.

According to the Disaster Management Center, 242 individual victims of the disaster are still living in temporary shelters.

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Government must reward those who helped win presidency: Yameen

President Abdulla Yameen has refuted allegations that his administration was creating a high number of political posts, but said the government must provide incentives for those who helped him win the presidency.

“We are not creating useless political positions just to appoint persons to them,” Yameen told the press at a Wednesday event in which former President Dr Mohamed Waheed and senior members of his party joined his ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Yameen said members of the ruling coalition were only raised to political positions after the resignation or dismissal of those who currently filled the posts.

“What I want to tell all politicians and citizens regarding this matter is that in reality, it is the work of a united group that made it possible for us to get this presidential term for ourselves. And so even citizens will accept that this government must provide incentives for those who took part in that work and put in responsible work. That cannot be called partiality towards them,” Yameen said.

He went on to say that political positions must be filled with individuals who share the ideology of the government, and who will work to reach the same goals, adding that this must be inclusive of government coalition members.

Yameen pointed out that the coalition would not be complaining about failure to receive jobs if his government was increasing the number of existing positions.

However, he pledged to assign all promised positions under the coalition agreement to all the involved political parties.

He called on those who are currently filling political positions who are not part of the government coalition to leave their jobs and “make space” for those within it.

The current administration has 112 known political positions within the government; 15 cabinet ministers, 3 other ministerial rank positions, 33 appointees at the level of state minister, 50 appointees at the level of deputy minister and 11 high commissioners and ambassadors, as per the President’s Office website.

These 112 positions do not account for presidential appointees to the boards of state enterprises and other institutions.

Government coalition

Besides ruling party PPM, the government coalition consists of Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), Jumhooree Party (JP), Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP), Adhaalath Party (AP) and Gaumee Ihthihaadh Party (GIP).

With GIP leader former President Waheed and many of its senior members joining PPM on Wednesday, the party council has announced their decision to dissolve the party.

“I have not set any conditions in joining this party, and am doing so as I believe it will be most beneficial for the country at this time. I have neither asked for any political appointment nor have I asked for any share of the government,” Waheed said, speaking to media at Wednesday’s event.

Earlier in December, rumours arose that Adhaalath Party had left the government coalition, after the party announced it will be contesting in the upcoming local council and parliamentary elections separate from the coalition. The party later refuted the claims on December 8, asserting that although they will contest separately, the party fully supports the government. The party, along with a number of state and deputy minister posts, holds two cabinet seats.

On November 26, JP Leader Gasim Ibrahim said in a party rally that the government had thus far failed to allocate the promised state positions to the party, adding that he believed this could be due to the government being “hectically engaged in other government matters”.

“Our President Abdulla Yameen is an experienced man. Maumoon [Abdul Gayyoom, former President and Leader of PPM], too, is a person who has far more political experience than seen otherwise in the history of the Maldives. They will certainly not act in a way which will deprive us of benefits,” he said then.

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Civil Court staff arrested for stealing court’s laptops

A staff of the Civil Court has been arrested for stealing laptops from the court, local media have reported

According to CNM reported that the person was arrested after obtaining an arrest warrant and also police obtained a search warrant to search the person’s house.

According to CNM, police have recovered the stolen laptops.

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Research reveals lack of transparency in Maldives climate finance governance

The “Assessment of Climate Finance Governance in Maldives” report published by local NGO Transparency Maldives (TM) has revealed a number of concerns in climate finance governance.

The report indicates the Maldives has been pledged US$ 99,280,073 in grants, US$ 20,380,000 in loans and US$ 48,506,276 from multi-lateral and bilateral donors, for co-financing projects from 2008 through 2015.

Projects focus mainly on mitigation, adaptation and capacity building, and cover a wide range of areas from waste management, conservation, water resource management to education and development of renewable, clean and sustainable energy.

It was conducted as part of the “Climate Finance Integrity Programme” piloted by Transparency International in six countries to monitor the raising, managing and governance climate related finance.

TM noted the need for increased transparency in the decision making process, including the selection of islands for different projects to allowing civil sector groups to monitor and review priorities.

According to the report, project locations are prioritized by implementing agencies such as Ministry of Energy and Environment without the involvement of donor agencies.

As the criteria for island selection is not visible in any records, “there is a strong incentive for political maneuvering in island selection,” the report said. This issue is not specific to climate change projects but seems to be the general trend, it added.

Transparency Maldives has proposed the establishment of a clearly identified and comprehensive climate policy and strategy to “ensure selection of projects is aligned to strategic goals and not to personal or political gain”.

The NGO also took issue with the constant reorganization of decision making bodies, their members, hierarchy and mandates, arguing “in cases of institutional changes it is important to disclose the hierarchy of decision-making processes, mandates and who is responsible for overseeing the work of each committee.”

The report also noted “serious concerns” in the availability of accurate and up-to-date information on projects and their progress. The public is said to have no access to a comprehensive list of climate projects at present.

A government website isles.egov.mv created in 2009 to increase transparency is still being managed by the President’s Office instead of the central monitoring agency, the Office of Programmes and Projects (OPP), as planned. Further, the website is not regularly updated, the report said.

Discrepancies in available financial information of projects from different sources was also reported. “It remains a challenge for ordinary citizens to gain access to information from the Government of Maldives with many restrictions included in accessing information,” the reported said.

Another issue highlighted was insufficient external monitoring of climate change projects, mainly because of the shortage of information reported to the OPP.

Due to this, the reporting of monitoring and evaluation of climate projects is done solely by the implementing agencies such as the ministry.

Donors must encourage project reporting to a national monitoring agency to increase transparency and public access to such information, the TM said.

Weakness in oversight was also mentioned in the report, referring mainly to the Auditor General’s Office (AGO) and Anti-corruption Commission (ACC).

Donors have limited access to some AGO documents due to language barriers, while implementation of recommendations in audit reports are not followed up until the next audit, the report said.

No complaints concerning climate finance have been lodged to or investigated by ACC, however, the ACC has provided recommendations on instances where inefficiencies could risk corruption. But the report found the  ACC also does not monitor the implementation of their recommendations.

The assessment highlighted that it was “not clearly evident” whether the parliament reviewed or analyzed reports submitted by independent institution or the OPP, as no such reviews have been published.

TM has proposed a number of recommendations for specific parties involved in climate finance governance, and plans to conduct a more in-depth governance assessment of the Ministry of Environment and Energy – the institution which receives the largest portion of climate finance projects.

The report can be downloaded from here.

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Police raids two safari boat and seize alcohol bottles stored against regulations

Police have raided two safari boats docked at Hulhumale’ and seized alcohol bottles that were stored in the safari boats in violation of the regulations.

According to police, last night (24 December 2013) at about 7:55 pm police raided two safari boats named ‘Handhu’ and Handhu falhi’ after receiving information that these boats have been trading alcohol illegally.

Police said that a total of 106 bottles of alcohol and 784 cans were seized in the operation.

The bottles and cans seized by the police were stored in violation to the regulation on usage of alcohol and poke.

No arrests were made during the operation, however, police said the Drug Enforcement Department was investigating the case.

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