The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s parliamentary resolution alleging that the Government's restructuring of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) is politically motivated is based on false claims and lacks factual evidence, Member of Parliament for North Mahchangolhi constituency Ibrahim Mohamed said.

Speaking during the parliamentary debate on the resolution submitted by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, Ibrahim described it as a "baseless resolution" built on claims that were contrary to the facts. He said the resolution failed to identify a single individual allegedly dismissed, where they worked, or when the dismissal took place.

"The resolution does not specify a single person who was dismissed, where they were employed, or when they were dismissed. None of these facts are stated," Ibrahim said.

Ibrahim argued that dismissing employees based on political affiliation was a practice associated with previous MDP administrations. He cited several examples, including the dismissal of employees from state institutions and companies, claiming they were targeted because of their political views or affiliations.

Among the examples he cited was the dismissal of a police officer following allegations involving the then home minister. He also referred to the dismissal of Islamic scholar Dr Iyaz Abdul Latheef from the Maldives National University after he expressed his religious views, as well as the dismissal of an operations officer at Hithadhoo Airport over alleged links to the then-opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

The North Machchangolhi MP further said an Islamic teacher at Noonu Kudafari School was dismissed after expressing views relating to a former Ungoofaaru MP. He also alleged that a judicial employee was removed from office after criticising the Government, claiming the judiciary had been used to serve the interests of the administration at the time.

Referring to the 2022 State budget, Ibrahim said MVR 407 million had been allocated for 970 political appointees, but the number had risen to 1,007 by the end of the year. He also said 21 employees were dismissed from the then Ministry of Gender during the same year.

Ibrahim further alleged that employees were dismissed on 17 November 2023 after being accused of planning to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

Concluding his remarks, Ibrahim said the resolution had been submitted because the MDP lacked a constructive political agenda. He called on Parliament to reject the resolution without spending further parliamentary time debating it.