Barrier to improve FSM's state is member's phone calls and requests

Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) Managing Director Fathimath Ashan has requested at a Parliament committee that MPs stop calling the company to reverse their decisions when management takes action against FSM employees for various reasons.

Ashan was summoned to the Public Accounts Committee to answer questions posed by them regarding the discussion of diesel acquisition for MPL operations. She stated that one of the biggest barriers FSM faces in improving their current state are MP's phone calls and "requests". She said that cooperation from MPs is needed in order to improve the company's current state.

Ashan went on to say that MPs call the company regarding cases where FSM employees are fired or in situations where cases are submitted to the Police.

According to Ashan, there is no reason for politicians to call the heads of government-owned companies. She added that cooperation and integrity are essential for effective action.

"And so I request everyone to not make phone calls to us, even if we have to fire someone. We prefer if there is no messages sent to us if we one day sent a case to the Police," said Ashan during the summons while gesturing to FSM CEO Mohamed Murad.

"We are both running the company. There is no reason a person of political standing should call us."

Ashan also stated that such issues can be solved in a quick and easy manner if influence from political individuals are brought to a halt.

"We are doing our jobs very well. If there is a situation where we want to fire someone, we extend our assistance to all at these tables when conducting our dismissal processes. We can only bring about enforcement if no one calls up until a letter of dismissal is given after the committee decision is reached," said Ashan referring to MPs.

While answering questions posed by Kelaa PNC MP Abdulla Shareef, Ashan said that there would be no funds of corruption that would enter her account. And so, she is ready to present the statistics, as she was giving her answers.

Shareef said that FSM positions are quite demanding, with many calling MPs stating that they want a position there. Shareef asked as to why the company is not taking action against sudden riches being acquired to the company when there are people in positions where their salaries range between MVR 15,000 to MVR 30,000.

In response to Ashan's statements, South Hulhumale' MDP MP Dr. Ahmed Shamheed stated that MPs can only call as there is such a high demand for FSM positions and that they are to work to stop such actions.

“If the demand stops, I don’t think anyone would call MPs. Pointing fingers at MPs is not right. You create the demand. If there’s a leak in your operation, it’s your business that will suffer the loss,” said Shameed, responding to Ashan.

Eydhafushi MP and Deputy Chair of the committee Ahmed Saleem said in response that even if MPs call FSM senior officials, they should ensure that no action outside the company policy taken.

“Even if a situation arises where someone has to resign, we request that it not be done in a wrongful manner. We cannot resolve this matter without operating at that level,” said Saleem.

Speaking on a corruption case involving MPL employees, Ashan said that since the barges have been in operation for a long time, extensive work is required to install ATG systems, with an estimated expenditure of MVR 300,000.

However, Ashan noted that it was later realized that installing such systems on marine vessels that operate in rough waters may not be the most effective solution. She added that work is also underway to install CCTV cameras.