In a heartfelt six-page statement, Dr Azmiralda Zahir delivered a scathing critique of the Judicial Service Commission, the parliament, and other institutions involved in the dismissal of her and Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir from the Supreme Court. She expressed hope that one day, all responsible for “crushing the Supreme Court” would be held accountable.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed said it is unfortunate and regrettable that Supreme Court judges are replaced every time a new president takes office. The Supreme Court bench was reconstituted after the past three presidential elections under the new constitution, he noted, emphasizing the need for systemic reform.
Minister Dr Mariyam Mariya told the parliament that the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare employed 48 political appointees.
The construction ministry invited expressions of interest to finance the development of a domestic airport in Alif Alif Mathiveri.
The government gazetted the governing regulations of the presidential inquiry commission investigating the unexplained fall of Hawwa Yumn Rasheed.
The President’s Office launched the “Executive Development Program,” a capacity-building initiative aimed at improving the performance of political appointees.
A new bill proposing the separation of the Attorney General’s Office from the civil service was sent back to committee for further review, after approving the amendment to allow the President to directly appoint the Deputy Attorney General.
The World Health Organization (WHO) congratulated the Maldives for taking a “bold step” by approving a generational smoking ban, marking the first such move in the South-East Asia region.
There are no plans to cull crows or bats to control their population or to protect other species, Animal Welfare Minister Dr Mariyam Maria said in parliament, urging the public to learn to coexist with them.
Animal Welfare Minister Dr Mariyam Mariya revealed to parliament that the “Olhu Hiyaa” - pet care facility will require MVR 10.8 million (USD 699,029) annually to care for 2,000 cats.
Abdulla Shahid, President of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), met with European Parliament officials to raise the dismissal of two Supreme Court justices.