Minister: President-elect can’t ask for halt to govt’s work

I do not believe President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu can ask for a halt to ongoing and planned government projects, even if this is the transitional period, says Ahmed Sameer, a minister at the President’s Office.

In an appearance on a program on RaajjeTV on Monday, Sameer said the government’s work is closely linked to the public.

He insisted that the outgoing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih would not act in violations of laws and regulations, and would not do anything out of spite.

“But the president cannot be asked to stay home and refrain from going to his office during this remaining period. He is fully empowered to carry out his legal obligations until November 17,” he said.

Sameer said that the outgoing administration is conducting a lot of work through the Civil Service Commission, and can promote civil servants who deserve it.

He described being asked to freeze new hires to vacancies -until after the incoming president takes office - despite the completion of the interview process as a “joke”.

Sameer said that the President-elect’s Office must also abide by the law.

He said that there was no legal basis to ask for a freeze on such decisions.

“This has happened. The government has received a letter from the president-elect seeking to stop certain work. I believe this to be unlawful and unconstitutional. He should wait until he takes office to make such decisions,” he said.

Sameer said that the president-elect can reverse appointments found to be wrongful, after he takes office.

Sameer also criticized the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

He said that the corruption watchdog was required to ensure government projects are conducted in accordance with the laws and regulations.

“But how are they fulfilling their duty when they ask for a complete halt to the functioning of the state,” he said.

Sameer said that the PPM administration had made various undocumented decisions during the transitional period in 2018, including finalizing agreements for the Hiyaa Housing project, and making new hires.

Muizzu has asked President Solih’s administration to freeze seven acts – which the outgoing administration had agreed to honor.