Two former lawmakers who joined the People's National Congress (PNC) after the presidential election loss for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have been given jobs in state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
Former Kurendhoo MP Abdul Ghani Abdul Hakeem and former Kanditheemu MP Abdulla Shaheem Abdul Hakeem were among 12 MPs who left the MDP to join PNC.
Last month, Ghani was appointed Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of Agro National Corporation (AgroNAT). Shaheem was appointed to the managerial level Facility of Community Empowerment of the Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL).
Ghani ran for re-election in the last parliamentary elections as an independent candidate because the PNC had fielded another candidate. But he came in third.
The government has been criticized over the high number of employees appointed to companies and ministries. But the government has not yet disclosed the number of political appointees.
