Public backlash has intensified following the appointment of Ashiyath Alaika to a high-ranking government position, shortly after her defeat in the Women's Development Committee (WDC) election held on April 4.
Alaika had contested the presidency of the committee on a ticket from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).
According to local news reports, Alaika has been appointed as a State Minister at the Ministry of Tourism. The move has sparked widespread criticism across social media platforms.
Critics argued that appointing individuals who have lost elections to senior government roles is unjustifiable. Many expressed concern over rising government expenditure due to additional political appointments, particularly at a time when the economy is facing strain from global conflicts, such as the tensions involving Iran.
"The government has started 'cutting costs' because tourist arrivals are down and the economy is declining," one user posted sarcastically, mocking the administration's fiscal policy.
"We all need the kind of job security politicians have. Even if you lose an election, there is no need to worry. You will get a high-level political post with a salary paid by the people's tax money," a user named Madhoo Rahman posted.
Alaika’s political trajectory has seen her move from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to The Democrats—a breakaway faction of the MDP—before eventually emerging as a prominent figure within the ruling PNC.
Her appointment comes amid the administration’s repeated refusal to disclose the total number of political appointees or the exact amount of public funds being spent on their salaries.
Despite President Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to act "in accordance with the pulse of the people" following recent electoral setbacks, his administration continues to face public anger for appointing individuals to political positions against popular sentiment.
