Another deputy minister appointed to youth ministry despite pledge to reduce political posts

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who has repeatedly pledged to reduce political posts in government, has once again appointed a Deputy Minister to the Youth Ministry.

Ahmed Shammoon has been appointed as Deputy Minister for the Youth Ministry. Shammoon previously served as a coordinator for two ministries during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

A Deputy Minister’s salary is MVR 35,000 per month.

With this appointment, made last Monday, the Youth Ministry now has five Deputy Ministers.

Shammoon, who formerly worked with the PPM, joined the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) in 2018.

He was actively involved in President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s campaigns for Malé City Council Mayor and the presidential election.

In last year’s parliamentary election, Shammoon sought the PNC ticket for the Central Machchangoalhi constituency but was unsuccessful.

Muizzu had pledged not to exceed 700 political posts in his government and had promised during his campaign to reduce government expenditures and cut political appointments.

However, the current appointments suggest a clear departure from that promise.

According to government figures released in July, there were 922 political appointees at that time, including 216 Deputy Ministers.

Opposition parties claim that the number of political posts in the government has now risen to more than 3,000.