President lacks legal authority to appoint political staff to uninhabited islands: Nishan
23 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ބުދަ 14:25Legal expert Mohamed Nishan has asserted that appointing individuals to political positions for Hdh. Hirimaradhoo, which has been designated as an uninhabited island, is a violation of the legal framework. He characterized such decisions as a catalyst for corruption, noting that they impose a significant and unnecessary burden on the state treasury. Consequently, he called for an immediate end to these unconstitutional practices.
Legal counsel Mohamed Nishan Ibrahim speaking during RaajjeTV's "Fala Surukhee" program. | RaajjeMV
Legal expert Mohamed Nishan Ibrahim has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu lacks the legal authority to appoint political staff to uninhabited islands, asserting that such actions fall outside the boundaries of the law.
Nishan made these remarks following the appointment of two individuals to government political positions this September, with their work base designated as H.Dh. Hirimaradhoo—an island recently declared uninhabited by a decree issued by President Muizzu.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, attorney Nishan stated that the Constitution clearly defines inhabited islands and administrative divisions, while outlining all procedures for decentralized governance and the granting of city status.
Therefore, he stated that if the President believes he possesses untouchable constitutional powers by virtue of being the Head of State, it constitutes a breach of legal boundaries. He further called upon the President to return to operating within the confines of the law.
Furthermore, Nishan stated that appointing political staff to uninhabited islands in this manner could be viewed as an act of corruption and malpractice. Noting that salaries for political appointees range from MVR 25,000 to over MVR 45,000, he highlighted that even if only two staff members are appointed, it would result in millions of Rufiyaa being spent annually on salaries and administrative resources.
Therefore, appointing these two employees will result in millions of rufiyaa being spent annually on salaries alone. Furthermore, additional costs will be incurred for their office infrastructure, such as desks and chairs, as well as utility expenses like lighting and energy. These are expenditures drawn directly from the state treasury. This energy is being utilized under the authority granted to the President by Article 115 of the Constitution. Consequently, the President can be held accountable and questioned regarding his actions, his omissions, and his constitutional obligations. This is because these provisions are explicitly enshrined in the law.Mohamed Nishan Ibrahim
Nishaan stated that President Muizzu possesses no constitutional or legal authority to engage in such actions. He further noted that these actions violate the principles of state finance and established constitutional procedures.
