The appointment of Dr. Abdulla Mausoom as Minister of Tourism has been sent back for committee review after parliamentarians raised questions over the legitimacy of his oath.
The appointment of Mausoom as Tourism Minister was reviewed and approved by the Parliamentary Committee on Government Oversight on August 20. However, during the review of the committee report in the parliament floor, some parliamentarians raised questions over the legitimacy of the appointment as Mausoom had not resigned from his position as a managing director of a private company when he took his oath on August 6. The Constitution of the Maldives requires ministers to resign from such positions before taking oath.
Parliamentarian Mohamed Falah stated the records from Ministry of Economic Development revealed Mausoom was still the managing director of a private company when he took his oath, although he had submitted his resignation later. He noted this raises questions over the legitimacy of his oath.
Parliamentarians who spoke on the committee report noted the committee must ensure the minister had fulfilled all legal obligations before he took his oath. As such, the appointment of Mausoom as Tourism Minister has been sent back for committee review.
Mausoom was appointed as Tourism Minister by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on August 6. He was appointed to replace Ali Waheed, who was removed from the position on July 9 amid serious allegations of sexual harassment.