MDP will seek justice through the courts for employees dismissed from their jobs: Niyaz
Ali Niyaz has announced that the MDP will take legal action to protect the rights of government employees, alleging that the current administration is dismissing staff without following proper procedures. He highlighted that when the MDP took office in 2018, they ensured job security for temporary employees at HDC, emphasizing that career advancement and dismissals should never be based on political affiliation. Niyaz further asserted that the party will continue to advocate against any unlawful actions taken regarding civil service employment.
Former Hulhumale' MP Ali Niyaz speaks at the "Employment Thursday" protest organized by the MDP. | Raajje MV
Former Hulhumale' MP Ali Niyaz has stated that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will take all necessary measures, including legal action, to protect the rights of employees being dismissed from their positions by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration.
Niyaz made these remarks while speaking at the "Employment Thursday" protest organized by the MDP on Thursday night, addressing the ongoing issue of employee dismissals.
In his remarks, Niyaz reflected on the situation inherited by the MDP when they took office five years ago. He noted that leading up to the 2018 presidential election, the previous administration had recruited over 400 temporary employees to the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) in an attempt to secure electoral success, leaving those workers in a state of constant job insecurity. However, Niyaz highlighted that upon assuming power, the MDP provided job security to all those employees and ensured they remained in their positions.
Niyaz stated that if there are issues regarding recruitment, the responsibility lies with those who authorized the hiring rather than the employees themselves. He further alleged that the government is currently dismissing staff without following established procedures, fairness, or legal justification. He also noted that the Employment Act does not mandate support for any specific political party, emphasizing that employees are only required to adhere to the Constitution and the Employment Act.
Regulations and policies that infringe upon the rights of employees or cause them undue hardship are not legally binding under the Constitution of the Maldives and the Employment Act. I want to assure all employees that your political beliefs will not be a factor in determining your career advancement or the termination of your employment. We stand ready to protect you. The MDP will take these matters to court to ensure that your rights are fully upheld and secured.Former Member of Parliament for the Hulhumalé constituency, Ali Niyaz.
Furthermore, Niyaz stated that those who terminate employees unfairly should be held accountable and arrested. He advocated for a work environment where employees can perform their duties without the fear of losing their jobs.
Thousands of people across Male' and various islands joined the "Employment Thursday" protest on Thursday night, an initiative led by the opposition MDP to voice concerns against the dismissal of employees from various government institutions and state-owned enterprises.
Protesters called for the reinstatement of employees they claim were unfairly dismissed and demanded greater government accountability. Furthermore, the demonstrators called for the resignation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his administration.
