MACL’s Political Appointees Under Spotlight as Public Scrutiny Grows Over Salaries and Roles

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) is facing heightened public scrutiny over the number of political appointees employed by the state‑owned enterprise, their salaries, and the nature of their roles.

Political appointments within state‑owned enterprises (SOEs) have been a persistent governance concern in the Maldives, as these roles are typically filled outside the competitive civil service system and are often linked to the administration in power. The issue has drawn renewed attention at MACL, where the total number of political employees remains unclear despite widespread public interest in understanding the scale of such appointments within one of the country’s largest state‑owned companies.

Amid this uncertainty, reports circulating widely online suggest that an 85 person list has been prepared for removal from MACL. The list, which includes several well‑known figures, has been shared across multiple platforms and is being discussed as a potential indicator of internal restructuring. It also alleges that some of the individuals identified as political appointees continue to receive full salaries despite not reporting to work, adding to concerns about payroll efficiency and accountability within the company.

Salary details for MACL’s appointees have not been publicly disclosed. However, political appointees across Maldivian SOEs have historically earned between MVR 25,000 and MVR 50,000+ per month, often with additional allowances.

Such appointments can place significant strain on state‑owned enterprises, resulting in expanded payrolls with positions that are not tied to operational needs, high salary expenditures for roles with unclear responsibilities, reduced efficiency as experienced career staff may be sidelined, and increased financial pressure on SOEs that are expected to operate on a commercial footing.

For years, critics have argued that politically aligned placements can undermine operational effectiveness, inflate payrolls, and sideline career professionals, while supporters often frame such appointments as necessary for aligning SOE leadership with government policy priorities.

Despite the visibility of these reports, neither MACL nor the President’s Office has verified the accuracy of the list or commented on the employment status of those named. No authority has confirmed whether any dismissals are planned or underway.

The renewed scrutiny comes as MACL takes on an expanded portfolio of government assigned projects, extending far beyond airport operations. Under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, MACL has been tasked with delivering major infrastructure works across multiple sectors. These include the reclamation and construction of Komandoo Airport, the expansion of Kadhdhoo International Airport with a new 2,800‑metre runway, the development of a terminal and fire station at Thaa Vilufushi Airport, and reclamation works for HA. Dhidhdhoo Airport, projects that significantly broaden the company’s responsibilities beyond managing Velana International Airport.

Alongside aviation development, MACL is overseeing several large scale land reclamation initiatives, such as the 97.15‑hectare reclamation at Giraavaru Falhu, the Maafaru Falhu urban development project, and the 11‑hectare reclamation at Thaa Gaadhiffushi. The company has also been linked to major components of the Ras Malé and Hulhumalé Phase 3 developments, two of the largest urban expansion efforts currently underway in the Maldives.

MACL’s mandate has expanded further into sports infrastructure, with responsibilities that include constructing multi‑sport complexes in Vilimalé and Hulhumalé, establishing fitness centres across 63 islands, and developing the Fonadhoo Sports Complex, which will feature a 1,200‑seat capacity.

The scale of these assignments has prompted questions about whether MACL already responsible for managing the country’s main international gateway  has the capacity to oversee such diverse projects while also maintaining what critics describe as an oversized roster of political appointees.

Several key details remain unclear, including the actual number of political appointees employed by MACL, the specific job descriptions and attendance expectations attached to those roles, the total salary expenditure allocated to political appointments, and whether any internal review or restructuring process is currently underway.