Hashim dismissed in line with parliament’s counsel; approval sought to appoint Munawar

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has dismissed Ali Hashim as the Governor of central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), in line with the parliament’s counsel, and has subsequently sought approval for former Finance Minister Ahmed Munawar as his replacement.

Parliament counselled President Muizzu to dismiss Hashim on Monday by the votes of 63 MPs. Only nine MPs voted against it.

The President’s Office, on Monday evening, confirmed that Hashim has been dismissed in line with parliament’s counsel. It was further noted that the President has sought approval of the parliament to appoint Munawar as his replacement.

Munavvar, who currently serves as an advisor at the Finance Ministry, served as the Finance Minister during former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom’s administration. He had been appointed Finance Minister following the appointment of Abdulla Jihad, who had originally held the post during the administration, as the country’s vice president.

Parliament voted in favor of counseling Hashim’s dismissal following its review of a no-confidence motion against the central bank chief, submitted by Parliament Deputy Speaker, Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim to the Public Accounts Committee, citing his failure to perform his duties.

Notice had been served to Hashim to appear before the Committee to respond to the motion on three occasions despite which he failed to attend citing health-related issues on all three occasions.

Following the last notice, Nazim proposed that the Committee decide on the motion without granting Hashim any further chances and based off an earlier written response from the governor.

Subsequently, members of Public Accounts Committee unanimously voted to recommend Hashim’s dismissal to President Muizzu last Wednesday.

In his written response, Hashim said he provided timely counsel to the government but was not heeded resulting in the turbulent economic conditions presently.

Hashim was appointed as the governor of MMA on September 8, 2019, during the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration, which held office from 2018-2023. He also served as finance minister from 2008-2010 during the first MDP administration.