MP Bonde expresses concern over delay in ministers’ answers

Central Maafannu MP Ibrahim Rasheed (Bonde) has expressed concern over delays by the Parliament in sharing written answers to questions asked of government ministers.

He expressed concern after the answer to a question he sent to Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer last year was read during the parliamentary sitting Tuesday.

Bonde said that he had sent the question six months back, and described the presidential system as a “slow” system.

The second answer read Tuesday was the response to a question Bonde said he sent last October.

Bonde told Sun that the Parliament receives answers to questions within 15 days, and parliamentarians have access to the answers.

He said that the questions are asked on behalf of the people, and the delay of over 150 days in sharing the answers goes against the purpose of holding ministers accountable.

“The people become aware after the cow dies. These are questions asked by the people. The answers are reaching the people after 150 days or more. There are over 50 questions in queue even now,” he said.

Bonde blamed the delay in the presidential system. He said the country needs a parliamentary system where the prime minister can be held accountable.