The Tourism Ministry’s State Minister Mohamed Nihad has been reassigned to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, retaining his title as State Minister.
Nihad had been suspended from his position at the Tourism Ministry from December 24 until January 22 due to controversial remarks he made at a rally held by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) on December 9. At the event, Nihad suggested that the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) was planning a terrorist attack coinciding with the arrival of the Maldives’ two millionth tourist.
While the government has now lifted the suspension, he has been reassigned to the Finance Ministry. The Finance Ministry confirmed Nihad’s appointment, effective January 23.
Nihad previously served as the MDP Member of Parliament for Feydhoo Constituency in the 19th Parliament. He signed up for the PNC at the end of the last MDP government, in the early days of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.
