Muthalib tells MDP MPs he is not responsible for parliament’s agenda delays

Infrastructure Minister Dr Abdulla Muthalib told opposition MPs on Monday that he cannot be held responsible for delays in scheduling their questions in parliament.

The remark came after Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir asked about the stalled water and sewerage project in B. Kihaadhoo, noting that his question had been submitted on September 8, 2025 but had only now reached the floor.

Before addressing the project, Muthalib responded to Mauroof’s complaint about the backlog of questions.

“I would just like to note here that I am not the one responsible for the delay in the agenda of the parliament because of the large number of questions waiting in queue,” he said, adding that ministers cannot be blamed for procedural delays.

It is noteworthy that most of the questions submitted by MDP MPs were directed at Muthalib.

According to figures released by MDP MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), a total of 258 notices have been sent to ministers for questioning. Of these, 180 questions were directed at the eight most frequently asked ministers.

Statistics show that 56 question notices were sent to Muthalib alone.

Kudu said the questions relate to development projects and government policies, with many concerning housing projects.

Parliament has cancelled multiple sittings this year due to lack of quorum despite the government’s supermajority, contributing to the buildup of pending questions and motions.