Ahmed Munawwar has officially been appointed as Governor of the Maldives’ central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu made the appointment on Wednesday.
The appointment was made under the powers vested to the president in accordance with Section 6(3) of the Maldives Monetary Authority Act 1981 (Act No. 6/81).
Munawwar was presented his Letter of Appointment at the President’s Office on Wednesday morning.
President Muizzu and Munawwar engaged in discussions regarding the economic situation of the island nation.
The president urged Munawwar to work closely with other financial institutions.
The new MMA Governor expressed his full support for the government’s efforts to boost the country's economy.
The People’s Majlis approved Munawwar’s appointment to the post, on Tuesday.
The parliament has greenlighted his appointment as the chief of the central bank, at a time the matter has triggered severe criticism from the public.
Munawwar's appointment was greenlighted after the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee conducted an interview and decided that he was eligible for the post.
Ali Hashim was sacked from his position as the governor of the central bank on July 22.
His removal triggered a wave of criticism among the public as well as politicians and the incumbent administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu drew immense condescension over the issue.
Hashim was sacked for “failing” to perform his duties, however, there have been allegations that he was sacked because he did not respond to the government's demands.
Muizzu forwarded the appointment of Munawwar as governor for parliamentary approval, under Article 6 (III) of the Maldives Monetary Authority Act.
Munawwar previously served as the Minister of Finance. He filled the position of Advisor to the Minister of Finance from 12 December 2023 to 22 July 2024.
He also served as a state minister from 2014 to 2016.
The public has been raising concerns over the massive accusations pinned against Munawwar as well, however, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has failed to comment on it or provide any clarifications to clear his name.
ACC in 2020 sought charges against Munawwar at the Prosecutor General's Office (PG Office) in connection with the allegations against him.
However, the case was referred back to the ACC to complete the formalities that were further required in the probe.
ACC on 21 September 2020, said that it was in the process of completing the investigation in the cases against Munawwar.
Since then, there have been no comments regarding the issue, from ACC.
As such, RaajjeMV’s repeated attempts to get an official comment from ACC on the matter, were to no avail.
