In a move that contradicts election promises, the Muizzu government has laid off 35 employees from the Regional Development Corporation (RDC) in Thinadhoo on Monday and 22 employees in Alifushi on Sunday. This comes amid ongoing criticism that the administration is engaging in politically motivated hiring and firing practices.
In contrast to these layoffs, Fenaka Corporation hired 12 employees in Maarandhoo due to the island’s local council by-election. This has raised concerns among opposition leaders about the sincerity of the government’s commitment to its promises.
Opposition leader and MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express frustration with the government’s actions. He criticised the administration for what he described as a lack of sincerity, citing the unlimited hiring of political employees under the guise of cost-cutting. Ismail argued that job threats should not be used to bolster political power and that the government has a responsibility to inform the public of its efforts to find alternatives before resorting to dismissals.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had previously assured that no one would be terminated based on their political affiliation. However, recent events seem to contradict this promise, as political commentators suggest that the Muizzu administration is accelerating terminations where political influence is no longer deemed necessary and increasing hiring in strategic areas linked to upcoming elections.