News Desk
The President’s Office Spokesperson, Mohammed Hussain Shareef, known as Mundhu, has urged political appointees to view their roles as responsibilities to the state rather than rewards for political loyalty. His comments come amid continued criticism over the size of the political staff and the appointment of individuals who lack the formal qualifications required for their posts.
Speaking on PSM’s Raajje Miadhu programme, Mundhu said the government has been assessing the performance of political employees since last year. He described the review as a structured process that examines whether each appointee is carrying out the duties of the position and producing results at the level expected.
He said the evaluation looks at performance, attitude and work ethic. According to him, the review leads to one of three outcomes. An appointee may be retained, removed or transferred to a role better suited to their experience.
Mundhu said it is not yet clear how many political staff will leave their posts once the review is completed. He said the aim is to ensure that positions are held by individuals who work diligently and loyally.
He stressed that political roles should not be treated as gifts. “Political position is not a gift we give to anyone, including myself. I do not believe that my salary is a gift to me for five years because I am politically loyal to my party,” he said.
Mundhu added that anyone who accepts a political post, whether through an oath or by letter of appointment, must carry out their responsibilities properly. If they fail to do so, he said, there is no reason to complain if they are asked to step aside.
He said the government’s restructuring efforts, including changes to political staff, are intended to support the President in delivering on his pledges.
The remarks come as the President’s Office has removed the public list of political appointees from its website. The previous Officials page now returns a 404 error. The updated government section displays only cabinet members, ministerial‑rank appointees, advisers and ambassadors. The removal has drawn attention during a period of administrative restructuring and the appointment of a new cabinet with a fresh mandate.
Critics have argued that the administration has appointed individuals without the qualifications or skills required for their roles and that the number of political appointees remains excessive. The government has not commented on the removal of the online records. Mundhu’s comments appear aimed at defending the review process and signalling that performance, rather than patronage, will determine who remains in office.
