President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has clarified that the dismissal of several ministers was not due to a lack of diligence in their work, but rather a measure taken as part of efforts to downsize the government.

The President made this clarification in response to a journalist's question regarding previous comments by Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), who had suggested negligence as a reason. The question also touched upon why some of these former officials, including former Local Government Minister Adam Shareef Umar and former Tourism and Environment Minister Thariq Ibrahim, were subsequently appointed as Ambassadors at Large at the Foreign Ministry.

During today's press conference at the President's Office, the President emphasized that reducing political appointees and cutting government administrative costs are top priorities. He noted that reducing the number of ministries was the first step in this process.

While explaining that employee reductions are generally based on performance—including factors like punctuality and attendance—the President distinguished the case of the cabinet ministers.

"Performance was one factor, but I considered other elements as well to reduce the size of the government. Not every person was dismissed due to poor performance; there were individuals who worked very well," the President said.He further added, "These changes were brought about to downsize the government and change the way the administration operates or to modify the system. Therefore, not every individual was dismissed or resigned because of a lack of attentiveness or failure to perform their duties."

The President concluded by stating that this administration will not increase the total number of jobs. He explained that since several ambassadorial posts were vacant, the two former ministers were appointed as Ambassadors at Large at the Foreign Ministry to eventually fill those roles.