Companies to be right-sized for cost reduction: Former Deputy Mayor of Malé appointed as Under Secretary at the President's Office!
24 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޯމަ 11:06The appointment of former Male’ City Deputy Mayor Mohamed Areesh to a position at the President’s Office has sparked public backlash, as the government continues to terminate state-owned enterprise employees under the guise of cost-cutting measures. Areesh, who joined the ruling PNC but failed to secure a seat in the recent council elections, was granted the political appointment amidst mounting allegations that the administration is prioritizing jobs for its close associates while simultaneously downsizing the general workforce.
Former Deputy Mayor of Male' City, Mohamed Areesh. | Male city council
Former Deputy Mayor of Male' City, Mohamed Areesh, has been appointed as an Under Secretary at the President's Office.
Areesh’s appointment comes at a time when the government has stated it is working to "right-size" state-owned enterprises as part of cost-cutting measures. However, the exact date of his appointment has not been disclosed.
During the fourth term of the City Council, Areesh represented the Maafannu West North constituency. Although he was originally elected to the position on a Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) ticket, he defected to the People's National Congress (PNC) following the election of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
Despite contesting the recent local council election on a PNC ticket, Areesh failed to secure a seat in the polls.
Under the guise of cost-cutting measures, the current administration has begun the mass dismissal of numerous employees hired by State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) across the islands. Conversely, it has been observed that the government continues to create new positions and recruit a significant number of personnel for roles in areas of its own choosing.
Public concerns are mounting over allegations that government positions are being distributed among those close to the President and various affiliates of the PNC.
