News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — Lawmakers are growing frustrated with what they say is a lack of responsiveness from cabinet ministers, raising concerns about communication between the Parliament and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.
MP Mohamed Abbas, a member of the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) representing Velidhoo, is among those voicing concerns. Abbas, whose party is part of the loose coalition backing the government, is demanding answers about delays in the construction of the island’s hospital. But his attempts to reach Finance Minister Moosa Zameer have gone unanswered.
“I have been calling Minister Zameer for exactly 10 days. I have called him more than 200 times. He has not answered any of my messages,” Abbas said in Parliament.
The hospital project, contracted to India’s Anand Buildtech on May 15, 2023, has yet to break ground due to the lack of an advance payment, Abbas said.
“It doesn’t matter which party the MP belongs to, whether he belongs to the same party or if he sips coffee together or not—calls should be answered,” Abbas added. “The finance minister should answer the phone when we MPs call him.”
His complaint reflects a broader concern among lawmakers, including those from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), who have faced difficulties reaching ministers.
The issue is not limited to one ministry. MP Abdul Rahman, an independent, who represents Addu Hulhudhoo, recently sent a letter to President Muizzu detailing his frustration with Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. According to Rahman, when questioned about unanswered calls regarding urgent concerns from Addu, the minister reportedly dismissed them scornfully, saying the atoll was “not his concern.”
The reluctance of government officials to answer calls is not new. Despite the abundance of landlines assigned to ministries and agencies, many calls go unanswered, fueling public frustration. No administration has successfully addressed the issue.
For now, lawmakers continue to push for better communication, urging ministers to be more accessible and responsive to their concerns.
