The Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has unexpectedly dropped the scheduled meeting with Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) Governor Ali Hashim from its agenda. The committee had initially summoned Hashim, Auditor General Hussain Niyaz, and Commissioner General of Taxation Hassan Zareer for a meeting on Monday at 11:00 am, intended “to clarify some information.”
Despite several attempts, the Parliament has not provided any comments on the reasons for removing the meeting with Governor Hashim from the schedule.
The Public Accounts Committee had recently decided to recommend Hashim’s dismissal to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, citing allegations of dereliction of duty. The committee’s chair, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, directed the committee to review the motion on Tuesday.
The no-confidence motion against Hashim was submitted on 1st July by Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Dhiggaru constituency representative, Ahmed Nazim. Nazim accused Hashim of failing to perform his duties effectively as the head of the central bank, particularly criticising MMA’s inability to employ an effective monetary policy amid economic downturns.
According to Article 6 of the Maldives Monetary Authority Act, both the governor and deputy governor of MMA are appointed by the president, with the advisement of Parliament. Following the committee’s review, the motion will be presented on the floor by the speaker, giving Hashim five days to prepare his response.
Ali Hashim was appointed as the governor of MMA on 8th September 2019, during the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration. He previously served as finance minister from 2008 to 2010 during the first MDP administration.
The developments surrounding Hashim’s potential dismissal come amidst ongoing scrutiny of the MMA’s role and effectiveness in managing the country’s monetary policy during challenging economic conditions. The outcome of the committee’s review and the subsequent decision on Hashim’s tenure will be closely watched by stakeholders in the Maldivian economy.
