Seven MIFCO employees suspended over airport welcome for Nasheed
The government is facing heavy criticism following the 14-day unpaid suspension of seven MIFCO employees who gathered to welcome former President Nasheed. As allegations of political victimization and workplace intimidation grow, it has emerged that the group includes veteran staff with over 18 years of service. The public has highlighted the hypocrisy of penalizing employees for political engagement at a time when the administration is accused of distributing numerous government positions for its own political gain.
Wafiru, a MIFCO employee who greeted President Nasheed at Kooddoo Airport, shakes hands with him: He has also been suspended for 14 days without pay. | MDP Secretariat
Seven employees of the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) have been suspended for traveling to Gaafu Alif Kooddoo Airport to welcome former President Mohamed Nasheed, who is currently campaigning for the position of MDP Chairperson.
All seven individuals are employees currently working at the Kooddoo fish processing plant.
MIFCO has suspended these employees for a period of 14 days without pay. Those suspended in connection with this matter include three individuals from GA. Villingili and four from GA. Maamendhoo. Notably, the group includes staff members who have served at the company for more than 18 years.
MIFCO employees suspended without pay for greeting President Nasheed:
1. Ibrahim Aajid, GA. Vilingili
2. Hussain Sobree, GA. Vilingili
3. Wafir Ibrahim, GA. Villingili
4. Fiyaz Moosa, Gaafu Alif Maamendhoo
5. Ibrahim Nafiu, Gaafu Alif Atoll Maamendhoo
6. Abdulla Rasheed, Gaafu Alif Maamendhoo
7. Nashid Ibrahim, GA. Maamendhoo
While these measures have been taken against several MIFCO employees, complaints have intensified over the past week regarding further dismissals allegedly motivated by political vendettas. As individuals continue to be terminated for participating in political activities, the government simultaneously stands accused of distributing numerous jobs across various institutions to achieve its own political objectives.
As the government faces widespread public criticism over the matter, many are describing these actions as a form of workplace intimidation rooted in political differences. Former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has also condemned the government for creating a climate of fear regarding job security. Fayyaz stated that the threat to employment has become so extreme that individuals are now afraid to even greet certain people in public. He characterized these tactics as a demeaning attempt to humiliate and subjugate the citizenry.
