North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) has filed a motion to interrogate Finance Minister Hassan Zareer regarding the purported politically driven termination of multiple employees in state-owned companies.

Kudu pointed out that Maldivian law forbids discrimination regarding political party ties in the hiring or firing of persons from public office, unless specifically permitted under Article 115(f) of the Constitution. He contended that companies owned by the government are intimidating or illegally terminating employees associated with the MDP, and inquired about the regulations governing such actions.

Kudu directed the inquiry to the Finance Minister since the Ministry of Finance acts as the shareholder representative for the majority of SOEs, and the minister manages their governance, board selections, and compliance. Thus, he stated that the minister needs to clarify the grounds for these dismissals.

The matter became significant following the elimination of the Maldives Transport Safety Board (MTSB) director role last month. The position was allegedly canceled after Director Ahmed Zuhair took a picture with Abdullah Sodiq (Sobe), the MDP candidate who succeeded in the Hithadhoo North by-election, during the campaign. Sobe is also connected to Zuhair through marriage.

Soon after the incident, Azan Zuhair, the son of Zuhair, stepped down from the board of Addu International Airport. Azan charged certain government officials with attempting to oust his father from his role, claiming that the position was non-political and was eliminated exclusively to push him out. He stated that he could not keep representing a government that behaved this way, which is the reason he stepped down as chairperson of the Addu International Airport board.