President Mohamed Muizzu has blamed ministers and MPs for the government's defeat in the recent elections and referendum.
At a meeting with ministers and government officials at his official residence, Muliaage, on Sunday night, Muizzu admitted defeat for the first time.
However, according to some officials at the meeting, Muizzu believes the defeat was due to some ministers and MPs' secret campaign against the government.
Ruling party MP campaigned against government in elections, reveals leaked audio
A leaked audio recording reveals that ruling People’s National Congress MP Asma Rasheed actively campaigned against her own government during recent elections. In the recording, Asma advises supporters to withhold campaign efforts until specific positions are secured and claims that President Mohamed Muizzu cannot win re-election without her support.
During the meeting, Finance Minister Moosa Zameer spoke about the importance of viewing the result positively and moving forward by carrying out reforms.
But Muizzu was, reportedly, furious and said, "Don't try to convince me otherwise."
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the work done by the ruling party in the parliament, saying that it causes damage to the government.
Muizzu questioned, "What was not done for ministers and MPs?" and threatened cabinet ministers with dismissals.
Despite Muizzu blaming ministers and MPs for negligence, his campaign in Male' was also unsuccessful.
He had carried out a door-to-door campaign in Male' since Ramadan. His wife, Sajidha Mohamed, was also involved in the campaign.
But the majority of Male' said no to the government. Sajidha travelled to Addu, Fuvahmulah and Kulhudhuffushi, but the ruling party faced losses in these cities as well.
According to sources, Muizzu was shocked by the result of the referendum to merge the presidential and parliamentary elections. Preliminary results show that 68 percent voted against the government's proposal.
At Sunday night's meeting, Muizzu announced that dismissals were underway for senior officials of government companies and diplomats.
Some dismissals since the include:
- Fenaka Corporation MD Mohamed Najah
- MPL CEO Mohamed Rishwan
- MWSC MD Ibrahim Shahid
- HDC DMD Mohamed Asbah
- UAE Envoy Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu)
- UN Envoy in Geneva Dr. Salma Rasheed
Meanwhile, senior government officials said that mass dismissals of political appointees will begin next week.
According to reliable sources, the performance reports of political appointees and senior officials of state-owned companies are to be submitted to the President's Office by Sunday.
"After returning from Umrah pilgrimage, a large number of people will be dismissed next week, including political appointees and those who have been politically appointed to companies," a senior government official said.
