Finance Minister Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq was ordered to resign following the protests by fishermen last week, Adhadhu has learnt.

Shafeeq resigned after attending the Cabinet meeting held on Sunday.

However, he did not disclose the reason for his resignation.

Some people close to Shafeeq told Adhadhu it was not a pre-planned decision. But they do not know the reason for the resignation.

A source familiar with the matter said Shafeeq was ordered to resign after fishermen protested because of overdue payments of MVR 17 million.

Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) owed MVR 17.35 million to fishermen for their catch purchased by the company from August 24 to September 25. The amount was disbursed after fishermen began protesting.

Last week, a Fisheries Ministry team was prevented from visiting some islands in Gaaf Alif atoll as angry fishermen gathered near the jetty to protest.

The team, led by Deputy Minister Ahmed Shaafiu, was kicked out of Gaaf Alif Dhaandhoo and Dhevvadhoo islands. Fishermen in Raa Dhuvaafaru island had also put up banners against the government.

The team was visiting Gaaf Alif atoll to provide information about the project to install a saltwater fish cooling system on boats.

At the time of the fishermen's protest, President Dr. Mohamed was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

"While the trip was going very successfully, the fishermen started protesting in Maldives. When the President checked how much money was owed to the fishermen, it was just MVR 17 million. He believed that it was a problem that the fishermen had to protest over such a small amount. That is why he ordered the resignation," a source said.

Following Shafeeq's resignation, former Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer was appointed the new Finance Minister.

Former Health Minister Abdulla Khaleel was appointed as the new Foreign Minister while Public Policy Secretary at the President's Office Abdulla Nazim was appointed Health Minister.