Twelve employees of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have been dismissed and seven others suspended this year alone for failing to support the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).
Adhadhu understands that seven of the 12 dismissals followed the ruling party's performance in local council elections. An additional four employees were terminated after the PNC’s defeat in the Hithadhoo North constituency by-election.
The breakdown of dismissals across state-owned enterprises is as follows:
- Fenaka Corporation – 4 employees
- Hithadhoo Ports Limited – 3 employees
- MTCC – 3 employees
- WAMCO – 2 employees
Furthermore, seven employees at the MIFCO site in Gaafu Alif Villingili were suspended following the PNC’s election results in the local council polls.
In a related development, the government abolished the position of Director at the Maldives Transportation Safety Board, held by Ahmed Zuhair, after he supported Abdulla Sodiq (Sobe), who won the Hithadhoo North by-election.
Following this move, Zuhair’s son, Azan Zuhair, resigned from his position as Chairperson and board member of Addu International Airport. He said that his resignation was a protest against the government’s decision to terminate his father’s employment over political matters.
Hithadhoo North MP Sodiq revealed that 10 individuals involved in his campaign have been dismissed so far. He noted that while the government cites cost-cutting measures as the reason for these terminations, other employees who perform no actual work remain on the payroll of these same companies.
Since the current administration took office, disciplinary action has been taken against more than 50 employees in state-owned enterprises. In addition to dismissals, several employees have been forcibly transferred from their home islands to other locations.
President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office with a pledge that no SOE employee would be dismissed for political reasons. However, a significant number of employees have faced termination within the first year of his presidency.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has been advocating for the rights of the dismissed workers, providing legal assistance and speaking out against the terminations.
Disciplinary actions were also reportedly taken against employees who participated in campaign activities for former President Mohamed Nasheed during the MDP chairperson elections. In response, Nasheed warned that if the government does not cease these actions, he would lead efforts to "occupy" the SOEs.
To protest the intimidation and disciplinary measures against state-owned enterprise employees, the MDP has scheduled a demonstration titled "Vazeefaa Buraasfathi" (Job Thursday) for tomorrow night at 8:30 pm.
