Opposition calls for full disclosure on Shamah’s removal and alleged corruption at STELCO

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has urged the government to publicly clarify the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of STELCO Managing Director Ahmed Shamah Rasheed, as well as the authenticity of a leaked audio clip circulating on social media.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, MDP interim chair Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo) said the administration must explain “what happened to the corruption allegations at STELCO” and address the leaked audio said to feature Shamah.

“This audio should be verified and explained to the people, whether it is true or false,” Abdul Ghafoor said.

Shamah has faced repeated disciplinary action during the current administration.  

• He was suspended twice within six months while serving as Managing Director of the state-owned fisheries company MIFCO.  

• After his suspension, he was appointed State Minister for Fisheries.  

• He was later reappointed as MIFCO’s Managing Director in September.  

• He was dismissed from the post on Sunday.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed that it is investigating a case involving Shamah.

Abdul Ghafoor said the government must explain the reasons behind Shamah’s removal and disclose the extent of any corruption uncovered at STELCO.

He added that the administration should “separate individuals from STELCO and other state-owned companies” and provide clear, factual information to the public.

Shamah was dismissed as STELCO’s managing director on Sunday after an audio clip began circulating online. In the recording, a voice, alleged to be Shamah, claims that STELCO’s Procurement Department General Manager Azhadh Rameez and another staff member were aware of what he was “trying to do” inside the company.

Azhadh was also removed from his managerial post on Sunday, though he remains employed at STELCO.

Speaking to Sun, Shamah denied any wrongdoing and said he had not been informed of the reason for his dismissal. He described the audio as fabricated.