MP Aslam: Dismissal necessary when government openly challenged

People who work against, and refuse to accept the government’s policies cannot remain in top government posts, states the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s parliamentary group leader Mohamed Aslam.

The remark comes after State Trading Organization (STO)’s managing director Hussain Amr Mohamed Rashad was dismissed Sunday, after he refused to back President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s re-election and aligned himself with MDP’s leader Mohamed Nasheed – who lost the party’s presidential primary - instead. Amr had been involved with Nasheed in negotiations with Jumhoory Party (JP) regarding drafting a manifesto for the upcoming presidential election.

Aslam, the parliamentary representative for North Hithadhoo constituency, told Sun on Sunday night that dismissal becomes necessary the moment government officials begin to openly challenge the government and the president’s policies.

He said that only officials who enforce the government’s policies can remain in top government posts.

“STO is the importer of staples, the importer of fuel, the importer of pharmaceuticals. When a person in such a position openly challenges the government, he must be dismissed. I believe the government made a good decision,” he said.

Aslam said the measure shouldn’t be reserved for Amr alone, but must also apply to government officials from other political parties who challenge the government’s policies.

“I don’t see JP officials acting in this manner. But if they do, they must be allowed to remain in top posts. Only officials who enforce the government’s policies must remain within the government,” he said.