MALE, 21 April, 2021 (TON): After the Finance Ministry requested to extend the period of government overdraw from the public bank, a temporary nine-member committee of the parliament will be making an inquiry.

The Ministry requested the extension in order to cover the expenses of the state. 

In April, 2020, the parliament approved the move for an overdraft for a period of one year.

In a signed letter by the Minister, the Finance Ministry requested the parliament to extend the period for a further one year. 

On Tuesday, the Speaker announced that the parliament had failed to reach a decision on the matter, however, massive differences of opinion were observed among lawmakers.

Vilufushi MP Hassan Afeef proposed forming a special committee for the purpose of assessing the request.

48 MPs voted against the move while just 12 voted in its favor.

The Speaker of the parliament announced the agenda for today’s sitting whereby a way to proceed regarding the request by the Ministry could be voted for and decided upon.

Alifushi MP Mohamed Rasheed proposed forming a temporary nine-member committee consisting of MPs from all political parties as well as independent lawmakers.

However, the move was approved by 51 MPs.