Denying cabinet approval equates to obstruction of public services: PPM/PNC

Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) coalition have said that denying parliamentary approval to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet will be tantamount to obstructing the services the government gives to citizens.

Parliament is scheduled to cast votes on the issue at 13:30 hrs this afternoon.

In a statement released today, the coalition affirmed their confidence in the performance of the cabinet ministers, describing them as qualified, capable, experienced and responsible individuals.

"We believe that denying parliamentary approval to ministers without providing them with the opportunity to perform, and without having first judged their performance, is a lack of cooperation with the running of the government, as well as a direct obstruction of the services provided to citizens," the statement reads.

The party stated their belief that it is a duty of political parties to provide ministers with a chance to prove their capability in fulfilling their assigned mandates.

Opposition parties The Democrats and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have said in today's debate on the parliament floor that they will be denying approval to certain members of the cabinet.

While The Democrats have decided to deny approval to four members of the cabinet including Attorney General Ahmed Usham, MDP is currently in the process of conducting a parliamentary group meeting to reach a final decision on the matter.