Ali Arif Resigns as Minister for Presidential Affairs

Ali Arif has resigned from his post as Minister for Presidential Affairs at the President’s Office, according to media reports.

While the President’s Office did not respond to a request for comment from MV+, other media outlets reported that the presidential spokesperson had confirmed Arif’s resignation.

Arif, a cousin of President Mohamed Muizzu, held responsibilities including signing official letters notifying appointments and dismissals to senior government positions, as well as overseeing the work of the President’s Secretariat. The reason for his resignation has not been disclosed.

He began working with President Muizzu during the second round of the 2023 presidential election. Prior to that, he served as Registrar of the Jumhooree Party.

The resignation comes following the government’s defeat in the local council elections held on 4 April, after which President Muizzu announced plans to implement reforms.

Since then, several senior officials at state-owned enterprises have stepped down. These include Mohamed Rishwan of Maldives Ports Limited, Farhath Shaheer of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company, Hussain Deedi of Agro National Corporation, and Abdul Matheen Mohamed of Malé Water and Sewerage Company. In addition, Ahmed Najah was dismissed from his post as Managing Director of Fenaka Corporation.