STELCO leadership handed to Azwar temporarily; Procurement head removed from post

Ahmed Shamah Rasheed has been dismissed from his position as the Managing Director of the State Electric Company (STELCO) yesterday. 

Following his removal, the company's leadership has been temporarily handed over to Deputy Managing Director Dr. Ali Azwar.

Shamah, who was appointed to the role on September 7 last year, was dismissed after serving only four months; the reasons for his removal have not yet been disclosed. Shortly after Dr. Azwar assumed temporary charge yesterday afternoon, the company also removed Azhad Rameez, the Head of the Procurement Department and General Manager, from his position. 

A senior STELCO official confirmed that while Azhad has been relieved of his responsibilities and duties, he has not been officially terminated from the company yet.

This internal reshuffle follows the leaking of an audio clip allegedly featuring Shamah discussing illicit gains through STELCO, in which Azhad’s name was mentioned. 

Dr. Azwar, now overseeing the company, is a veteran of STELCO who joined in 1997 and has previously served as Chief Operating Officer and head of various departments including Customer Services and Business Development.

Shamah is the second Managing Director to be removed from STELCO under the current administration. 

The first appointee, Hussain Fahumee, was dismissed in September last year and subsequently appointed as a Minister-level Principal Secretary at the President's Office. 

Notably, Shamah had also previously served as the Managing Director of MIFCO but was removed from that post following a month-long suspension and allegations regarding his management style, after which he briefly served as a State Minister at the Fisheries Ministry before his move to STELCO.