Nasheed: Will leave official residence once notice period expires

Speaker Mohamed Nasheed said Monday that he will leave Muraidhooge, his official residence, once the notice period for the no-confidence motion against him expires.

The ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has submitted no-confidence motion against both Nasheed and Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla. Both sent a letter last week, recusing themselves from presiding over sittings pending the outcome of the motions.

In a press conference Monday afternoon, a reporter asked Nasheed why he continued to take incentives afforded to the Speaker despite his recusal.

Nasheed responded that he was “not particularly fond” of his official residence, Muraidhooge, and that he had his own residence in Male’.

He said he intends to move out of Muraidhooge as soon as the notice period expires.

“In Sha Allah, I will move out of Muraidhooge the day my notice period expires. I don’t, in any way at all, wish to stay at Muraidhooge. Not the least. By the Grace of Allah, I have other means of residing in Male’. It is my deepest desire for a way for me to stay at Kenereege,” he said.

Nasheed said he wasn’t concerned about losing the security he currently receives as speaker.

Nasheed had moved to Muraidhooge following an attempt on his life on May 6, 2021.

The IED attack on Nasheed prompted legal amendments, mandating for the speaker of Parliament and the chief justice to be provided official residences by the state.

The no-confidence motion against Nasheed was submitted with the vote of 54 MPs. He was sent his notice on June 12.

However, it is unclear when the motion will be scheduled.