No independent institutions remain in Maldives; even PCB is under government control: Mauroof

Mauroof Zakir, the Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, has stated that there are no independent institutions remaining in the Maldives, asserting that the Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) is also under government control.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s special Independence Day coverage, Member of Parliament Mauroof stated that he no longer believes any independent institutions are functioning freely in the Maldives. Sharply criticizing the current administration, he asserted that because President Dr. Muizzu holds a parliamentary majority, every institution has fallen under the complete control of the government.

Speaking regarding the most recently appointed members of the Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB), MP Mauroof stated that he does not question their educational qualifications. However, he alleged that due to the pressures of their positions, they are being compelled to establish policies that infringe upon the rights of other employees.

Furthermore, MP Mauroof questioned the Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) regarding their oversight of the financial status of state-owned enterprises. He specifically inquired why the PCB failed to intervene or take action when these companies were hiring employees well beyond their operational requirements.

The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) can certainly advise on measures a company should take when its financial health deteriorates, as that falls within its mandate. However, whether a company chooses to implement those recommendations remains its own responsibility. The most inconsistent or contradictory aspect of this situation is the PCB's prior inaction. Where was the PCB when these companies were hiring excessively and recruiting far beyond their actual needs? Why did the PCB fail to intervene at that time and state that such practices were unacceptable?

Mauroof Zakir

Highlighting that companies like Fenaka are funded by public tax money, MP Mauroof stated that dismissing employees based on their political affiliations is unacceptable. He further emphasized that the government cannot discriminate against any Maldivian citizen, adding that terminating employees and leaving them destitute is an archaic practice from a bygone era.

MP Mauroof further stated that true independence cannot exist in a country where job security and professional freedom are absent. He noted that since every individual's primary priority is to provide for their family, the Maldives is currently heading toward a state of subjugation.