Parliament has decided to summon Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi for questioning on the developments of her recent trip to India. The decision was announced by parliament majority leader Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik.
Following comments made by the defence minister in an interview with an Indian media outlet, citing Indian has the capacity to take over Maldives, she was met with criticism from the general public. Local media has criticised the comments as Mariya failed to outlay a contingency plan in the wake of such a situation.
Ministry of Defence has said the interview given by Minister Mariya is being circulated to defame the defence sector for political gain. In a statement, the defence ministry said some individuals misinterpreted and spread excerpts of the interview, given to an Indian new outlet during her trip to India last month, to create chaos in the country and to danger the sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Aminath Athifa is also being summoned to parliament, seeking answers regarding the social housing projects of the government.