Mahibadhoo MP Ahmed Thariq has alleged that former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih created unnecessary positions in state-owned companies for political purposes.

Speaking during the parliamentary debate on a resolution submitted by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, which alleges that the Government's efforts to reduce staffing levels in state-owned companies and state-owned enterprises are politically motivated, Thariq said the increase in jobs began under the previous administration after the current Constitution came into force.

Thariq said previous administrations, including those of former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Abdulla Yameen, had created jobs in state-owned companies based on operational needs. However, he claimed former President Solih created a large number of additional positions that were not required.

He further alleged that many young people left the fisheries sector to take up jobs at companies such as Fenaka, raising concerns among some MDP leaders about the impact on the industry. Thariq claimed former President Solih believed those employed in such positions would support him in elections.

Referring to the 2023 presidential election, Thariq alleged that former President Solih believed providing jobs at Fenaka with monthly salaries of around MVR 8,000 would secure enough votes to win the presidency with a 56 per cent majority. However, he said the first-round election results showed the outcome did not match those expectations.

Thariq also said staffing levels at Fenaka and STELCO exceeded operational requirements in some islands. He claimed that based on population size and the services provided, around 30 employees would be sufficient on average, while some islands had more than 100 Fenaka employees.

Referring to recent guidance issued by the Privatisation and Corporatisation Board (PCB), Thariq said the ongoing restructuring aims to reduce employee numbers to levels that reflect operational needs without disrupting company operations or public services. He also said the Government would not act unlawfully against any employee during the process.

Citing Mahibadhoo as an example, Thariq said around 30 employees had been appointed to Regional Development Corporation (RDC) positions despite having no work to carry out. He added that after the current Government took office, those employees were assigned duties while remaining in their existing positions.