800 employees working at STO pharmacies are living in a state of deep fear and uncertainty: Shifaz
Former MDP Vice President Shifaz has expressed serious concerns regarding the job security and benefits of 800 STO pharmacy employees following the decision to transfer them to a new entity called "State Pharma." Characterizing the move as an "uncivilized" tactic by the government to downsize the workforce, Shifaz heavily criticized President Muizzu, alleging that the current administration lacks respect for citizens' rights and political freedoms.
Former MDP Vice President Mohamed Shifaz speaks at the "Employment Thursday" protest organized by the MDP on Thursday night. | RaajjeMV
The former Vice President of the MDP, Mohamed Shifaz, stated that 800 employees working at STO pharmacies across the country are currently living in a state of deep uncertainty and fear. He emphasized that the MDP took to the streets to advocate for the rights of these workers.
Speaking at the "Employment Thursday" protest organized by the MDP on Thursday night, Shifaz stated that a climate of job insecurity has gripped the entire country. He highlighted that 800 employees working across STO pharmacies nationwide are currently living in a state of deep uncertainty and fear regarding their employment.
Shifaz stated that a shell company named "State Farmer" has been established, and employees are being transferred to it, resulting in the loss of all their allowances and benefits. He described this as a significant injustice and a major setback for the workers. He further criticized the administration, stating that the methods being employed to reduce the workforce are both incompetent and uncivilized.
Across the Maldives, 800 employees are currently working at STO pharmacies. Today, these workers are living in a state of deep uncertainty and fear. A new entity called "State Pharma" has been established—a shell company to which all these employees are being transferred. As a result, they are losing all their existing allowances, leaving their future security in limbo. These 800 STO staff members are being reclassified as employees of this newly formed State Pharma. STO is a company in which numerous Maldivian citizens hold shares. Yet, a significant portion of the company’s operations is being carved out without any notification to these shareholders.Mohamed Shifaz, former Vice President of the MDP
Furthermore, Shifaz leveled heavy criticism against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
Shifaz stated that President Muizzu remains unaware of the arduous efforts citizens undertook to secure their rights, the systemic abuse and hardships they endured, and the number of individuals who passed away during that struggle.
Therefore, he stated that the MDP has come out today to make President Muizzu realize this reality, and expressed confidence that the party would succeed in this endeavor.
The people of the Maldives have lived with dignity, prosperity, and joy while actively participating in peaceful political activities. Over the past 15 years, it has been proven that such engagement is not a problem. One thing that has been firmly established during this period is the role of peaceful political movements. Peaceful political activity is a right that every citizen and every member has been exercising today without fear. However, the individual currently holding the presidency is someone who did not shed a single drop of sweat in our struggle to achieve the Constitution we have today. He has no sense of the sacrifices made by the Maldivian people to secure these rights.Mohamed Shifaz, former Vice President of the MDP
Shifaz stated that President Muizzu lacks public popularity and support. Consequently, he argued that there is no reason for such a leader to remain in power over the people.
