Former Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Reeko Moosa Manik has said that the work of the Tourism Minister, Ali Waheed to assure the rights of the investors and employees in the tourism sector is very notable.

Minister Waheed recently faced criticism following his comments on the service charge to resort staff. In defence of the Tourism Minister on Twitter, Moosa said that from Minister Waheed’s work, it is clear that the tourism industry, which the Maldivian economy relies on, is not seeking the favor of a certain group or party.

Following the criticisms, the leaders of the coalition government has also defended the Tourism Minister including the Jumhoory Party Leader, Qasim Ibrahim along with the Speaker of the Parliament and former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed.

On Wednesday’s press briefing by the Tourism Ministry, Minister Waheed said that the Ministry has the records on the service charges given to employees by the resorts and major international and local investors and suggested that local investors hold off on service charged and have international investors give the service charge.

After the backlash and criticism, Minister Waheed apologized on Twitter and said that the work of the industry is being shared with sincerity with the media and so, the work will be valued by the public.