Vote of no confidence for Mahmood Razee

Mahmood Razee, Minister of Trade and Economic Development is to face a no confidence vote at the Parliament, a case submitted by the Joint Parliamentary Group.

This group consists of Parliament Members of PPM, Parliament Members of PA, some independent members and Gaumee Party’s only member Riyaz Rasheed.

At a news conference held today at the PPM Office, Riyaz Rasheed, President of the Gaumee Party’s Parliament Group and Vilifushi MP said that this case has been submitted to the Parliament because of the government’s agreement with GMR which violates section 97 of the Constitution.

Section 97 of the Constitution states that unless through the imposition of taxes or by any other means.

The case, supported by 16 members of the Parliament states that as Chairman of Privatization Committee, Mahmood Razee has violated the law by signing an agreement with GMR which allows the government to impose a charge on airport services. While GMR is working on implementing this, the group proposes a confidence vote on Mahmood Razee to remove him from the post of Minister.

“…the Civil Court has determined that Razee’s agreement with GMR is against the Law, and this agreement does not favor the local people of the Maldives. As such Razee should be made to take responsibility for his actions,” reads the case submitted to Parliament.

Gemanafushi MP Ilham Ahmed said that the case is submitted after discussion with Joint Parliament Group. He also said that Mahmood Razee stands to personally gain certain benefits from this agreement with GMR.

“Currently there is an outlet of Le Cute operated at the Airport. Le Cute is partially owned by Mahmood Razee, and GMR did not dare close down this shop,” Ilham said.

Ilham further accused Mahmood Razee for closing down the duty-free shop run by MVK, even though MVK is a company which carries out several businesses activities extremely beneficial to the Maldives.

The Joint Parliamentary Group said that this should be seen as a national case, which with the collaboration of all opposing parties, can be won. They especially need the support of MPs of DRP.

“This is a national problem, and all opposition parties will work together on this. We hope to get DRP’s support as well,” Ilham said.