President Muizzu is taking workplace intimidation to a new level: Fahmy

Former Member of Parliament for North Maafannu, Imthiyaz Fahmy, has stated that terminating employees for not supporting the government is not a practice seen in any civilized society. He further noted that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is now taking such workplace intimidation to an entirely different level.

Speaking at the Employment Thursday protest held by the MDP on Thursday night, Fahmy heavily criticized President Muizzu's administration. He stated that terminating employees who do not support the government and distributing jobs solely to secure votes are practices unheard of in civilized societies. However, Fahmy noted that President Muizzu’s administration has taken these actions to an entirely different level.

Is the dismissal of employees for not supporting the government a conversation being had in any civilized society today? Is the distribution of jobs solely to garner votes for the government a topic discussed anywhere in the civilized world? It is simply not. Yet, look at the state of affairs in our country. This practice has been taken to an entirely different level under this administration, specifically under President Muizzu. People are being terminated from their jobs even in connection with internal party elections. These dismissals have nothing to do with the individuals' performance. Furthermore, we are seeing a wave of terminations linked to by-elections.

Imthiyaz Fahmy, the former Member of Parliament for the North Maafannu constituency.

Fahmy also criticized the government's efforts to undermine judicial independence. He emphasized that judges must perform their duties impartially and should maintain no formal affiliation with the government. However, Fahmy noted that regulations have been established requiring judges to come out and welcome government officials and President Muizzu during their visits to the islands.

Fahmy stated that judges are not individuals who should be required to line up to greet the President during his visits to the islands. However, he noted that the situation is quite the opposite for other employees. He highlighted that civil servants, who should be entitled to absolute labor rights, are being dismissed or transferred from their workplaces simply because they lined up to welcome a specific individual.

Judges are expected to perform their duties with complete impartiality. They should have no political affiliations with the government. However, regulations have now been established that compel judges to greet government officials, such as President Muizzu, during his island visits—even requiring them to carry flags and wear ceremonial attire. Judges should not be required to stand in reception lines across the country to welcome the President. Certain institutions have formulated rules and procedures specifically designed to undermine the independence of the judiciary. Conversely, employees who are entitled to their fundamental rights are being dismissed or transferred simply for lining up to welcome those they genuinely love and respect. We will not grant President Muizzu this opportunity. The MDP will stand up against every such injustice.

Imthiyaz Fahmy, the former Member of Parliament for the North Maafannu constituency.

Fahmy urged those who have lost their jobs or are living under the threat of dismissal to remain steadfast and cast aside their fears. He stated that the MDP has taken a stand to defend the rights of employees and their families, asserting that the party will compel the government to reinstate all those who were unfairly dismissed. He further declared that President Muizzu would not be given the opportunity to continue these actions, emphasizing that the MDP will rise to the occasion in every such instance.