Ruling party rally blatantly calls for "control" of govt employees
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, who is the campaign chief of the PNC in Hinnavaru constituency, was present at this meeting.
By
Ahmed Mizyal
At a campaign meeting of the People’s National Congress (PNC), a demand for 'control' of government employees, especially those working at the Felivaru factory, and action against them if they failed to cooperate has sparked intense criticism.
Ahmed Shareef Abdul-Rahman Yusuf has been criticized on social media for his remarks at the campaign rally of PNC candidate Mohammed Abdul-Rahman in Hinnavaru constituency on Friday.
Ahmed had contested the 2024 parliamentary elections on the PNC ticket from Kinbidhoo constituency. However, he did not win the primary and did not get the ticket.
He has previously served as a board member of MPL and RACL.
Speaking at the rally, which was also attended by several PNC leaders, Ahmed called for action against those in the government who do not cooperate with PNC. In particular, he asked ministers to grant the power to 'control' those working in Felivaru.
"We have to take necessary action if those working in government institutions, whether they are from the opposition or the government, they have to call us and tell us that they will cooperate," he said.
"Otherwise, it will be difficult to win this [parliamentary election]. So, I would also request the minister to tell the president to give our candidate the power to control the workers, especially in Felivaru, so that jobs and opportunities can be facilitated."
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, who is the campaign chief of the PNC in Hinnavaru constituency, was present at this rally.
This is not 'okay': Fuad
Election Commission Chairman Fuad Thaufeeg said in an X post that this is not 'okay' at all. Fuad also asked the person who shared the video to submit a complaint form to the National Complaints Bureau.
Some people responded to this, asking whether the Election Commission could not investigate such cases on its own.
Although EC did not have the authority, he said he would share the information with the commission members.
Main opposition MDP has previously expressed concern over the PNC's intimidation of government employees and the dismissal of employees who support the opposition.
With that, the MDP has decided to provide legal assistance to the dismissed.
The government continues to deny any such intimidation.
