Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 155

Discover latest updates of the Government

Date: October 15, 2024 | Issue 155

President Dr Muizzu announces removal of 228 political appointees in major cost-cutting reform

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced the removal of 228 political appointees from various government ministries as part of his administration’s Economic Reform Agenda, aimed at reducing government expenditure.

The decision was shared with the public via the President’s official X account, where he described it as a direct cost-cutting measure.

The 228 appointees to be removed within the next 15 days include 7 State Ministers, 43 Deputy Ministers, 109 Senior Political Directors, and 69 Political Directors. This measure is expected to save the government Rf 5.714 million per month.

This significant reduction in political appointments aligns with the President’s broader efforts to streamline government operations and ensure more efficient use of public funds.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Khaleel, Zameer, and Nazim’s names sent to committee for review

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has sent the names of the three newly appointed ministers to the Parliament’s Government Oversight Committee for further review.

President Dr Muizzu announced a significant reshuffle in his cabinet, with several key appointments, on September 30. As such, Moosa Zameer, who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was appointed as the new Minister of Finance, replacing Dr Mohamed Shafeeq. Meanwhile, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, who served as the Minister of Health, took the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs. Abdulla Nazim, who was a Minister at the President’s Office, was appointed as the new Minister of Health.

According to the Constitution, if the president brings any changes to the Cabinet, or appoints new members, Parliamentary approval is required. Parliamentary approval will be granted after the Government Oversight Committee’s review of the names and submits its findings to parliament. This will then be followed by a voting session.

SOURCE : PSM

Vice President says public welcomes President’s decision to ban vaping

Vice President Hussain Mohammed Lateef expressed the Maldivian public’s appreciation for the President’s decision to ban vaping. He made this statement following the recent decision to prohibit the import and use of vaping products in the country.

In a social media post, the Vice President highlighted the significance of the ban, calling it a crucial step for the future well-being of younger generations. Emphasizing that this action reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding the health of the nation’s youth, he added that this decision has been positively received by the public.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on October 14 confirmed that, effective November 15, the importation of vaping devices and their components will be prohibited. He also directed relevant authorities to implement measures that will criminalize the use, possession, manufacturing, sale, advertising, and distribution of vaping products, with these restrictions taking effect on December 15.

SOURCE : PSM

President Dr Muizzu announces stringent measures to ban vaping

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the Administration is taking concrete steps toward banning vaping.

In a post on his official X account, President Dr Muizzu stated that he has instructed the relevant authorities to initiate the necessary actions to prohibit the import of vaporiser devices, accessories, and parts starting from November 15, 2024.

Additionally, from December 15, 2024, the ban will include the possession, use, manufacturing, sale, promotion, and free distribution of vaporizer devices throughout the country.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

President announces additional measures to discourage tobacco consumption

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced additional measures to discourage tobacco consumption in the Maldivian community. He made the announcement via a post from his official X account.

The President announced that he would be sending an amendment to the parliament, this week, to increase the import duty on tobacco products, effective November 1, 2024.

The proposed amendments include the specific rate on cigarettes and beedi to be increased from MVR 3 to MVR 8 and the ad valorem duty to be increased by 50 percent.

Special measures would be taken to strengthen the role of enforcement authorities to prohibit tobacco consumption in public places.

Furthermore, the President announced the imminent launch of a specialised, holistic, nationwide campaign to help people overcome addiction to tobacco consumption.

He called on public support to ensure that the Maldivian community is tobacco free.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Agriculture Minister announces expansion of Dhanduveri Nafaa Loan

Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Aishath Rameela has announced that the “Dhanduveri Nafaa Loan” Programme, which is issued without collateral, will be increased to USD 32,000. She made the announcement during her special address for National Farmers’ Day on October 15, and World Food Day on October 16.

In her address, Minister Dr Rameela emphasised the government’s commitment to making agriculture a key sector in the economy of the nation. She highlighted the government’s efforts to support newcomers to the sector and elevate the sector to new heights. She further noted that a total of one million has already been disbursed under the “Dhanduveri Nafaa Loan” Programme, which is being further strengthened.

Additionally, Minister Dr Rameela said that the Ministry is collaborating with the SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC) to increase the current loan cap from USD 6,500 to USD 32,000 without collateral. She said that the ministry and SDFC are working to ensure that agricultural loans are compliant with Islamic financing principles. She also announced that the government is partnering with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to expand the agribusiness programme, including setting up model greenhouses on 12 islands, with five more islands to follow.

Furthermore, Minister Dr Rameela revealed the launch of a new initiative allowing farmers to invest in greenhouses, with the distribution of free aid to eligible applicants starting next week. She said that a total of 68 farmers have applied, and after evaluation, the aid will be issued next week. In addition, she announced the upcoming Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) Agriculture Zone Project, which aims to transform the agricultural landscape in the Maldives, and a vertical farming project aimed at introducing innovative agricultural practices.

SOURCE : PSM

President nominates Ahmed Sareer as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has nominated Ahmed Sareer as the Ambassador of Maldives to Saudi Arabia. The President sent Sareer’s name to the Parliament, seeking Parliamentary approval. The nomination has now been sent to the Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee for further reference.

Sareer currently serves as the Ambassador at Large at the Foreign Ministry. He had previously served as the Director of Asian Affairs of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC).

Sareer has successfully completed his Master’s Degree in foreign affairs and trade, from Australia’s Monash University. Since 1986, Sareer had served in various positions in the foreign relations services. He has also significantly contributed to the diplomatic missions of the nations. Sareer previously served as the foreign secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the permanent representative of the Maldives to the United Nations (UN) and as the Ambassador of Maldives to the United States and Bangladesh as well.

SOURCE : PSM

Speaker urges parliamentary bodies to bridge differences for digital advancement

Speaker of the Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla has urged parliamentary bodies to work towards bridging differences between countries to facilitate progress in the digital realm. He made the statement in his address at the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

During his address at the conference themed “Harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation for a More Peaceful and Sustainable Future,” Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla emphasized the Maldives’ dedication to renewable energy and sustainable development. He stressed the significance of using science and technology to bring about sustainable development, especially in small island nations like the Maldives, and to protect its vulnerable environment.

Highlighting that Maldives, as a small island nation, faces significant challenges due to climate change, the Speaker emphasised the Government’s initiatives to address these issues. As such, he reiterated President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s overarching goal of deriving 33 percent of the nation’s electricity from renewable resources within five years. He also mentioned the national campaign of planting five million trees, another initiative of the President.

Additionally, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla highlighted that the Parliament of Maldives was the first in the world to fully transition to online operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted the establishment of the Standing Committee on ICT, which aims to enhance technological oversight. The Speaker also revealed that the Maldives is actively investing in artificial intelligence (AI) to improve public services and environmental monitoring, with the ultimate goal of creating a fully digitized economy.

Furthermore, the Speaker voiced concern over the detrimental effects democracy faces, due to the spread of disinformation and misinformation, purposefully. The Speaker underscored the crucial importance of developing ethical frameworks for STI in line with the IPU’s Charter, ensuring that research is conducted with integrity and respect for human rights.

Concluding his speech, Speaker Abdul Raheem expressed grave concern over the escalating violence in Palestine, calling for an immediate cessation to the ongoing genocide. The Speaker urged all parties to prioritise this issue and collectively exert efforts to spare the Palestinians from their current ordeal. He additionally highlighted the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, urging for an immediate halt to hostilities to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population and restore stability.

SOURCE : PSM

Committee approves appointment of Azeema as High Commissioner to India

The Foreign Relations Committee of the Parliament has approved the appointment of Aishath Azeema as the High Commissioner of Maldives to India. This decision follows the nomination by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Azeema is set to replace the current High Commissioner, Ibrahim Shaheeb.

During the Committee meeting, Parliamentarian Abdullah Rifau proposed interviewing Azeema. However, Parliamentarian Mohamed Dhawoodh suggested that the Committee approve her appointment without an interview, citing her qualifications and extensive experience. The Committee unanimously endorsed Azeema’s appointment after receiving support from other members.

Azeema has held various positions within the ministries since 1988, following her completion of training programs both domestically and internationally. In addition to her role as Ambassador to China, she has also served as the Deputy Ambassador of Maldives to the UK. Her previous positions include Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

SOURCE : PSM

Maldives’ IAEA participation referred to Parliamentary Committee

The issue of the Maldives’ participation in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been sent to the Foreign Relations Committee of Parliament. This referral follows the President’s presentation of the matter, with the Cabinet’s decision to join the IAEA.

The President approved the Maldives’ participation in the IAEA, with a focus on seeking assistance in nuclear medicine, which is crucial for cancer treatment. The Ministry of Defence will spearhead the process of joining the IAEA, which the Government notes will be a long-term endeavour.

Joining the IAEA is expected to enhance the Maldives’ capabilities in nuclear medicine and renewable energy. Established on July 29, the IAEA aims to prevent the use of nuclear energy for military purposes while promoting its benefits. It currently has 178 member countries; the Maldives and Bhutan are the only regional nations not yet members.

According to the Constitution of Maldives, international treaties must be submitted to and approved by Parliament before they can be implemented.

SOURCE : PSM

Technical assessment ongoing to monitor road development in Addu City

Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has revealed that a technical assessment is being carried out, to observe the challenges encountered during the execution of the road development project in Addu City.

The road construction of Addu City was contracted to an Indian company, Afcons Infrastructure Limited. The project will cover over 100 km, significantly more than the 60 km previously planned. The new roads will be paved and developed to meet modern standards. The USD 1 billion project will also include the installation of drainage systems, streetlights, and cameras into a CCTV network as well.

The Ministry reported that some technical issues had been observed and that they have been addressed to. The technical assessment, the Ministry said, will further address the issues and will be conducted by a team from the Ministry. 

The second phase of this project was announced by the Minister of Construction ad Infrastructure, Dr Abdullah Muhthalib. The second phase will prioritize the City’s link road, modernizing the area. 

SOURCE : PSM

MIFCO begins to utilise MSS vessels to export fish products

Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) has started to utilise vessels from the Maldives State Shipping (MSS), to boost the export of fish products.

The agreement was signed by the Managing Director of MSS Ahmed Shareef and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of MIFCO Ilyas Haneef. Under the agreement, MSS will facilitate all logistical services to MIFCO, required to export fish products.

Managing Director of MSS Ahmed Shareef stated that fish products from MIFCO facilities situated in various locations in the Maldives, will be brought to Male’ City via MSS Opal. These products will then be transferred to feeder ships of MSS, which will then be exported to various destinations. Shareef stated that this agreement will facilitate the export of fish products to any global destination.

Meanwhile, MIFCO’s CFO Ilyas Haneef stated that MIFCO’s operations are one of the biggest logistic operations in the country. He stated that this operation will bring a positive change in the export services and will significantly reduce the company’s expenses.

MSS has a fleet of five cargo ships, with more than 2,000 containers. It stated that specific vessels have been designated for domestic trips, while the shipments of fish will be exported through the Male’-Colombo and Colombo-Malaysia trips. Furthermore, it revealed that services will be provided to transshipment ports and vessels as well.

SOURCE : PSM

Japan hands over CCTV equipment to MPS

The Government of Japan, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has donated CCTV camera equipment to the Maldives Police Service (MPS).

The handover took place at a ceremony at Iskandhar Koshi in Male’ City, where Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives Takeuchi Midori presented the equipment to Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Commissioner Shujau expressed gratitude to Japan and UNODC for their continued support in enhancing the Maldives police force’s resources and infrastructure.

The Japanese Government and UNODC have been consistently assisting the MPS, and a plaque was presented to them as a token of appreciation at the event. The previous donations from UNODC, with Japan’s support, have included road and marine vessels, field drug test kits, precursor field test kits, and Raman handheld field identification kits.

The Embassy of Japan to the Maldives said that the donated items are valued at approximately USD 2.5 million. The equipment is intended to help combat drug-related crimes, illegal activities in the fisheries sector, and other maritime offenses in the Maldives. It will also aid the MPS in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting such crimes, contributing to enhanced safety and security in Male’ and other islands across the country.

SOURCE : PSM

Maldives condemns seizure of UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem

The Government of Maldives has strongly condemned the decision by Israeli authorities to seize the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem for settlement purposes.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Maldives denounced Israel’s ongoing violations of international and humanitarian law, including the illegal expansion of settlements, the destruction of UN agencies and relief organizations, and the obstruction and attacks on aid workers—actions that have gone without consequence. The statement emphasized that these actions not only impede the provision of essential services and the realization of basic rights for Palestinians, but also undermine the only viable path to lasting peace: the establishment of a State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Maldives commended UNRWA for its continued life-saving efforts during these challenging times. The Government and the Maldivian people expressed their solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterated their call for the international community to urgently and effectively hold Israel accountable for its illegal actions against the Palestinian population.

SOURCE : PSM