The post of Director at Maldives Transportation Safety Board (MTSB) has been dissolved by the government a few days after the board's director Ahmed Zuhair attended a rally of opposition MDP parliamentary candidate Abdulla Sodiq (Soabe').
The MTSB, run under the Ministry of Transport, was established by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on April 8 last year.
The agency was established to investigate incidents and accidents in land and sea transport, as well as the civil aviation sector, and to enhance safety and security of the transport system.
MDP member Zuhair, who served as State Minister for Transport in the party's last administration, was appointed as Director of the MTSB through an interview and vetting process.
However, the government abruptly dissolved the position on Sunday.
Zuhair's son, Azaan Zuhair, alleges that the government had dissolved the position after Zuhair had taken a photo with Sodhiq, who had gone on to win the North Hithadhoo parliamentary by-election for the MDP.
Azaan asserted that Zuhair had always been a staunch supporter of MDP and that he would not have accepted the position of MTSB Director if it had come with the requirement of supporting ruling PNC. Azaan noted that Zuhair had secured the position on the merit of his vast aviation experience, through applying for the post and undergoing an interview.
Azaan went on to say that out of respect, Zuhair had refrained from attending any MDP campaign events during the last year. He had participated in one of Sodhiq's campaign events this time because of familial relations with the candidate, and had notified the ministry 15 days ahead of his intention.
Azaan alleges that the government had moved to dissolve the position itself with the intention of dismissing Zuhair as he had not been a political appointee, but had instead been under contract.
Azaan has also submitted his resignation as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Addu International Airport stating that he cannot, in good conscience, continue to represent a government that acts this way.
