Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Hassan Zareer has stated that no instructions have been given to any state-owned enterprise (SOE) to dismiss employees based on their political party affiliation, political ideology, or expressed opinions.

The Minister made these remarks while responding to a question posed by MDP MP for North Galolhu constituency, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), during today’s sitting of the People’s Majlis.

The lawmaker questioned the Minister, noting that Article 115(h) of the Constitution does not permit discrimination based on political views or party affiliation in appointments and dismissals from state posts (aside from specified executive appointments), and asked on what basis and why state companies were warning and unlawfully terminating employees affiliated with the MDP.

In response, the Minister stated that dismissing employees in state-owned enterprises due to their political affiliation, ideology, or expressed viewpoints is not a practice endorsed by the government. He reiterated that no company has been instructed to act in such a manner.

However, the Minister noted that to ensure SOEs operate efficiently, maintain financially sustainable expenditure aligned with their corporate objectives, and manage costs in line with generated revenue, the government continues to take necessary steps and provide appropriate guidance to these enterprises as circumstances require.