The government has rejected allegations made by the opposition, including former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairman Fayyaz Ismail, that state‑owned enterprises would shed 14,733 workers.
Speaking at a press conference this week, Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef labelled the figures “imaginary” and accused the MDP of using the issue to stir public emotion rather than engage in factual debate.
Hussain Shareef emphasised that the administration’s focus is on improving the management of state‑owned companies, preserving sufficient staff to maintain service quality, and refining recruitment on the basis of education and skill.
He noted that while the Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) has directed a 33 percent workforce reduction within three months—effective from 13 July—this measure is intended to streamline operations and strengthen human‑resource practices, not to engineer indiscriminate job losses.
The Spokesperson warned that rumours of widespread layoffs detrimental to the public are being circulated for political gain, urging citizens to rely on verified information from official sources rather than unsubstantiated claims.
The PCB’s directive, issued under the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, remains the sole official guideline on staffing adjustments in state‑owned firms.