Former Chairperson of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Fayyaz Ismail, has expressed concern over the dismissal of government employees for campaigning for the MDP and advocating for their rights.
In a post on X, Fayyaz highlighted the dismissal of an employee who participated in the campaign of MDP candidate Abdulla Sodiq (Sobe) for the Hithadhoo North constituency by-election. He also noted the termination of two employees from the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) who had protested against the company's failure to deposit their pension contributions.
"It is deeply concerning that the Muizzu administration, which does not embrace democratic values, is dismissing employees for their involvement in Sobe’s campaign. Furthermore, two employees who spoke out to claim their rights regarding unpaid pension contributions at WAMCO have been terminated under orders from this oppressive government," Fayyaz stated.
He added that resorting to retaliation after an election defeat is a sign of desperation and lost support. He warned the government against using state companies as political hubs and impoverishing families, asserting that such actions would not garner public support.
WAMCO fires employees protesting over failure to deposit pension contributions
WAMCO dismissed two employees for protesting the company’s failure to deposit pension contributions for 19 months. Despite deducting funds from salaries, the state-owned firm cited unpaid debts as the reason for the lapse. The workers were fired without notice under a misconduct clause in the Employment Act.
Meanwhile, Sodiq, who won the Hithadhoo North by-election on the MDP ticket, called on the government to immediately cease the dismissal of his campaign team members from state-owned companies.
In a Facebook post, Sodiq urged the government to stop taking action against, dismissing, or threatening those who campaigned for him or were perceived to have voted for him.
"I call on the government to immediately stop these uncivilized and inhumane acts of taking action against, dismissing, and threatening those who participated in my campaign activities or are suspected of voting for me," Sodiq said.
Addu Airport board chair resigns to protest father’s unfair dismissal
Azan Zuhair resigned as Chairperson of Addu International Airport to protest his father’s dismissal from the Maldives Transportation Safety Board. His father, Ahmed Zuhair, was reportedly removed after a photo surfaced of him with a relative who is an opposition MP. Azan stated he could no longer represent a government that acts this way.
Among those dismissed was Mahfooz Husnee, who worked in the Finance and Accounts Department of STELCO and was active in Sodiq’s campaign. He was terminated yesterday.
Additionally, the government’s decision to abolish Ahmed Zuhair’s directorial post at the Maldives Transportation Safety Board followed the circulation of a photo of him with Sodiq, his relative, during the campaign period.
Following this move, Zuhair’s son, Azan Zuhair, resigned from the board of Addu International Airport yesterday. Azan, who served as the board’s chairperson, stated that he resigned because his father was stripped of his job due to political reasons.
