Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef, better known as Mundhu, has confirmed that more than 200 political staff have been dismissed over the past three months as the government continues efforts to reduce expenditure by rightsizing state-owned enterprises.
Speaking in an interview with PSM, Shareef said a total of 205 political staff across four job levels have been removed so far. The positions affected include State Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Senior Political Directors and Political Directors.
“205 staff have been dismissed as of yet, with the positions being State Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Senior Political Directors and Political Directors. There is more to be done. This figure may change in the future,” Shareef stated.
He made clear that the process is not finished. Further dismissals of political staff are expected in the coming period. Once the rightsizing of state-owned enterprises is complete, Shareef said there will be a significant drop in the overall number of people employed compared with the levels seen under the current administration.
The moves form part of the government’s broader policy to control spending by reviewing and reducing political appointments within SOEs and related institutions.
