Islamic minister "respects" parliament decision to reject him

Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, who was re-appointed as Islamic Minister on Monday, has said that he has always respected the decisions of the parliament and there is no unpleasantness in his heart due to the parliament's decision not to approve him.

The opposition MDP and Democrats-majority parliament had rejected three of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's 22member cabinet. The three are:

But later the same day, President Muizzu re-appointed the three despite questions surrounding its legality. An event was held at the Islamic Ministry on Tuesday to welcome Shaheem.

Speaking at the event, Shaheem said, "This kind of thing will happen in the political sphere," Shaheem said.

"I will always respect the decisions of the Parliament. And I will never forget the closeness and trust that the President has placed in me," he said.

Although he did not get the approval of the Parliament, Shaheem said, "The real trust is a completely different kind of trust”. He said he took immense courage from the love and respect he received from the people and the sentiments expressed on social media.

The minister assured that the political situation would not change the Islamic Ministry. He said the ministry will continue to work sincerely for all the people of Maldives.

While the parliament had decided to reject Shaheem, the Islamic Ministry had on Monday released a strategic action plan. Shaheem said that since he is back in office again, his priority will be to implement the provisions of the plan in letter and spirit. Thus:

Despite the opposition's concerns and criticism of the re-appointment of three ministers pro-government figures have been praising President Muizzu's decision.