Foakaidhoo Fenaka Employee Allegedly Fired After 10 Years for Joining MDP

An employee who served at the Fenaka Corporation’s Shaviyani Foakaidhoo branch for nearly 10 years has been dismissed from his post after signing as a member of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Ahmed Jailam, who joined Fenaka Corporation on November 13, 2016, was dismissed from his position on August 17 this year.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, Jailam stated that he faced significant pressure following his decision to join the MDP ahead of the Local Council Elections held in April this year.

He explained that he was initially demoted from his position as a technician to a laborer. However, after reporting the matter to Fenaka’s head office, he was reinstated to his original role as a technician, with the office noting that the demotion had been carried out outside of established procedures. Despite this, Jailam noted that his fingerprint access was removed from the system without any prior notice, effectively resulting in his dismissal from the job.

Jailam stated that he has never been late to the office, taken sick leave, or been negligent in his duties. He further noted that although it was claimed he was dismissed after three disciplinary actions, he was never informed of two of the measures allegedly taken against him.

Furthermore, he stated that this was a profound injustice and a source of great distress for his family.

I am a man responsible for supporting a wife and three young children. My family has been brought to a state of destitution due to political victimization. As one of my children has a disability, we are frequently required to travel to Malé and abroad for essential medical treatment.

Ahmed Jailam

Regarding the matter, Abdulla Mahid, the manager of Fenaka’s Foakaidhoo branch, stated that Jailam’s dismissal followed established procedures. However, he did not disclose the specific reasons for the termination or provide details regarding any prior disciplinary actions taken. He further noted that such personnel information is confidential and not subject to public disclosure.

Despite President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge that no individual would be dismissed from their job for political reasons, complaints are mounting across the country regarding the unfair dismissal of employees. Allegations suggest that those who do not support the government are facing various forms of intimidation and are being systematically removed from their positions.