Decision to dismiss employees is an attack on MDP members: Asif

Adam Asif, a Senator for the People’s National Front (PNF) and a legal professional, has asserted that the decision to terminate 33 percent of staff from state-owned enterprises is a targeted attack against members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Asif stated that 33 percent of the workforce across state-owned enterprises amounts to approximately 19,000 employees. He further alleged that when layoffs are carried out, members of the MDP are being specifically targeted for dismissal.

Asif stated that the current recruitment process for state-owned enterprises mirrors the procedure used by the President to appoint individuals to political positions. He further noted that employment is now reserved exclusively for individuals recommended by PNC constituency presidents or Members of Parliament.

When the constituency elections were held, positions such as constituency presidents, steering committee chairs, committee members, and vice-presidents were appointed. For instance, even in the dozen or so constituencies across the Maldives where there were previously no PNC members, there are now PNC constituency presidents in place. These constituency presidents or steering committee chairs are the ones who decide who remains employed; they will only retain those they want. Essentially, anyone who does not belong to the families they personally recognize as "guaranteed workers" for the government will be dismissed.

Adam Asif

Furthermore, Asif stated that anyone who does not promote President Muizzu will be dismissed, noting that this is a targeted attack specifically against members of the MDP. He added that President Muizzu is steering the country toward a dictatorship.

The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) has mandated state-owned enterprises to reduce their workforce by 33 percent, effective July 13, providing a three-month window to implement the cuts.