Budget committee appoints Fazad as chair, Saleem as deputy

Parliament's budget review committee for next year on Monday appointed Central Fuvahmulah MP Ali Fazad as Chairman and Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem as Deputy Chairman.

The committee convened its first meeting on Monday to discuss the budget proposal presented in parliament on Thursday by finance minister Moosa Zameer. Fazad, who previously chaired the committee during the review of the supplementary budget, led the meeting.

During the session, there was debate on whether the chairpersons of the supplementary budget committee should automatically lead the budget committee. Opposition MDP members disagreed with this idea.

Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa argued that a new chairman and deputy chairman should be elected for the budget committee, according to established rules.

MDP Parliamentary Group Leader, Hithadhoo South MP Ibrahim Nazil, supported this view, asserting that procedural regulations do not allow the Speaker to advance such motions without a vote.

Responding to these objections, Fazad clarified that his nomination was based on administrative guidance. The administrative table then facilitated the formal election of the chair and deputy chair positions.

The nominations for Fazad as chairman and Saleem as deputy chairman proceeded without opposition.

Fazad was nominated by Machagolhi Central MP Ahmed Zameer and supported by Thinadhoo North MP Saudullah Hilmy. Saleem was nominated by Hilmy and seconded by Kendhoo MDP MP Mauroof Zakir.

Both motions passed unanimously.

The committee will complete its review of the budget by the 20th of this month.