FSM chief urges MPs to stop intervening in management decisions

Fathimath Ashan, Managing Director of Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM), has urged members of parliament to refrain from intervening in the company’s internal affairs, particularly in matters involving disciplinary action against staff.

Speaking before the Public Accounts Committee regarding diesel procurement for Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), Ashan said political interference remained one of the biggest obstacles to improving FSM’s financial and operational condition. She stressed that the company required the support of MPs to function efficiently.

Ashan stated that MPs had contacted her to prevent the dismissal of employees or influence cases forwarded to police. She said there was no justification for politicians to approach executives of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) about personnel matters.

“No one should reach out to us if we intend to dismiss someone. Otherwise, it would have been better if nobody had contacted us on the day they planned to report the case to the police,” she said.

Accompanied by FSM Chief Operating Officer Mohamed Murad, Ashan emphasised that SOEs must be allowed to operate with integrity, free from political pressure. She said the longstanding problems of state-owned companies could only be resolved if politicians ceased interference.

During the session, Kelaa MP Abdulla Shareef questioned why FSM had taken no action against employees drawing salaries between MVR 15,000 and MVR 30,000 who appeared to have amassed unexplained wealth.

In response to Ashan’s remarks, South Hulhumalé MP Dr Ahmed Shamheed argued that MPs felt obliged to contact FSM due to the high public interest in employment opportunities. He said the company should take measures to address the demand.

Corruption investigation

Ashan also addressed the corruption case involving MPL staff, noting that outdated barges had complicated plans to install automatic tank gauging (ATG) systems. She said the upgrades would cost around MVR 300,000 and it has been observed that installing the system on ships navigating rough seas may not be ideal. FSM is working to expand CCTV monitoring across all barges, she added.

Ashan confirmed that illegal fuel sales from barges had been a serious issue and that all crew members of two barges were dismissed following an investigation. CCTV cameras were installed on some vessels as part of a pilot project, with plans to expand coverage fleet-wide.

In December last year, the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology revealed that police had launched an investigation into FSM staff suspected of fuel theft and laundering company funds.