MP Asma reappointed chair of social affairs committee
Following that episode, two of her relatives were removed from government posts.
Asma Rasheed, Member of Parliament for Maafannu Central from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), has been reappointed to the People’s Majlis Social Affairs Committee and named its chairperson.
Asma was removed from the committee late last year following a dispute linked to President Mohamed Muizzu.
The issue arose after Asma sent a message to constituents asking them to share questions they wished to raise with the President during a meeting with Maafannu residents.
Following the incident, the President’s Office requested an apology, which she later issued.
Amid the controversy, Asma was removed from both committee membership and the chairmanship. She was replaced on the committee by Mohamed Ali, while Mohamed Mustafa was appointed chairperson.
During the Social Affairs Committee meeting on Wednesday, Asma presided over proceedings.
Most members spoke with microphones switched off, meaning their remarks were not captured on the committee’s YouTube live stream.
According to reports, Asma has now been restored as chairperson, while Mustafa has been appointed vice-chairperson.
Her return to the committee comes after an audio recording, alleged to contain remarks critical of the government, was circulated.
Following that episode, two of her relatives were removed from government posts.
Her son, Mohamed Hussain Shareef, who had been serving as ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, was dismissed. Dr Salma Rasheed, Asma’s sister and permanent representative to the United Nations, also received a dismissal letter.
Mohamed Hussain Shareef has since been appointed government spokesperson, while the dismissal letter issued to Salma was later withdrawn.
