MMPRC DMD Bassam and senior staff sacked

The state-owned tourism promotion company, Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), has sacked its Deputy Managing Director, Mohamed Bassam Adam, and its senior most employee, Ibrahim Asim.

Asim, who was sacked as a director of MMPRC, told Atoll Times on Tuesday that DMD Bassam and he were sacked at the company's board meeting held on Monday.

Asim said the reason for his dismissal has not been announced yet.

Asim has been working for MMPRC since its inception. Prior to that, he worked for the Tourism Promotion Board, which was set up to promote tourism in the country under the Ministry of Tourism.

"There is no specific reason. I am an employee in an administrative position," Asim said.

Bassam could not be reached for comment on the dismissal.

Bassam was previously suspended for allegedly sexually assaulting a female employee of the company. However, he was later reinstated after investigating the case.

There are speculations that Bassam was sacked as part of the government's policy of cutting expenditure.

Recently, MMPRC Managing Director Fathmath Thaufeeg was sacked as Managing Director. Ibrahim Shiuree has been appointed to the post. Before Shiuree was appointed, the company was led by Bassam.

The recent sackings came after two members were appointed to the company's board of directors on Sunday.