Religious scholar expresses concern over increasing civil service participation in politics

Dr. Mohamed Iyaaz, a prominent religious scholar in the Maldives, has expressed concern about what he described to be increasing participation of civil service employees in politics.

In a post on his Twitter account on Sunday, Iyaaz said that the rising number of civil service employees participating in government campaign events makes it seem as if doing so is ‘part of their job description’.

Iyaaz’s tweet translates to, ‘the way in which government employees are participating in campaign events and trips make it seem as if doing so is part of their job description. We must ensure that our income and what we provide for our families is attained through rightful means; are halaal. If not, a calamity may occur'.

Incumbent President Abdulla Yameen’s bid for presidency has been marred with accusation of graft and abuse of power. Employees of state offices are routinely used to organize campaign events and increase turnout at them.

Earlier in July, two employees at the state utilities company FENAKA claimed that management has attempted to ‘bully’ them into guaranteeing their support for President Yameen in the upcoming elections.

Further, President Yameen’s opponents have long accused him of abusing state resources, assets, and employees of the civil service for political gain. State employees, even members of their management, are routinely seen organizing and participating in campaign and support events held by the ruling party.

Employees of the civil service have previously reported being coerced and even bribed into attending and supporting such events, who claim they are threatened with dismissal and salary reductions if they fail to comply.