Kudu moves to question Finance Minister over alleged political dismissals in state‑owned enterprises

North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) has submitted a motion to question Finance Minister Hassan Zareer over the alleged politically motivated dismissal of several employees working in state-owned enterprises.

Kudu noted that Maldivian law prohibits discrimination based on political party affiliation in the appointment or dismissal of individuals from public office, except in cases explicitly allowed under Article 115(f) of the Constitution. He argued that government‑owned companies are threatening or unlawfully dismissing MDP‑affiliated employees, and asked under what rules such actions are being carried out.

Kudu directed the question to the Finance Minister because the Ministry of Finance serves as the shareholder representative for most SOEs, and the minister oversees their governance, board appointments and compliance. Therefore, he said the minister must explain the basis on which these dismissals are taking place.

The issue gained prominence after the Director of the Maldives Transport Safety Board (MTSB) position was abolished last month. The post was reportedly cancelled after Director Ahmed Zuhair took a photo with Abdullah Sodiq (Sobe), the MDP candidate who won the Hithadhoo North by‑election, during the campaign. Sobe is also related to Zuhair by marriage.

Shortly after the incident, Zuhair’s son Azan Zuhair resigned from the board of Addu International Airport. Azan accused some government officials of working to remove his father from office, alleging that the position was not political and was abolished solely to force him out. He said he could not continue representing a government that acted in such a manner, which is why he resigned as chairperson of the Addu International Airport board.