Shahid says MDP would reinstate workers dismissed for political reasons
Shahid said the protest was intended to demonstrate that citizens could not be silenced through actions affecting their employment.
Top Stories
Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid has said the party would reinstate individuals dismissed from their jobs for political reasons if it returns to government.
Shahid made the remarks on Thursday night at an MDP protest held in Malé under the slogan "Vazeefaa Buraasfathi" (Employment Thursday).
The demonstration began at Rasfannu at approximately 8:30 p.m. and was organised in response to what the party alleges are dismissals of opposition supporters from state employment and state-owned enterprises.
Addressing participants, Shahid said the protest was intended to demonstrate that citizens could not be silenced through actions affecting their employment.
He argued that the right to employment is protected under the Constitution and said the MDP would continue to oppose any actions it considers to be violations of that right.
“The assurance we give to the citizens of the Maldives is that this party will do everything necessary to defend those who are being fired from their jobs,” Shahid said.
He also pledged that an MDP administration would restore employment to individuals whom the party believes were dismissed for political reasons.
“We give you our guarantee that when we return to power, we will restore the livelihoods that have been taken from you,” he said.
Shahid further stated that neither the MDP nor its supporters would be deterred from expressing their views.
He argued that dismissals from employment were increasing opposition to the government and claimed that each affected family was becoming more critical of the administration.
During his speech, Shahid also criticised President Mohamed Muizzu and the government over their handling of employment-related issues.
The protest continued with speeches from several party leaders and supporters.
The demonstration forms part of a series of opposition activities focused on employment issues and allegations of politically motivated dismissals from state institutions and state-owned enterprises.
