Culture Ministry Workers Request Urgent Meeting with President Over Workplace Hostility

Employees of the Ministry of Language, Culture, and Heritage, who previously reported harassment and bullying against the Ministry’s acting Permanent Secretary Athika Ibrahim, have now sought a meeting with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to address their concerns.

In September, 22 staff members submitted a petition to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) detailing their grievances. Since then, they claim the hostile work environment has worsened, with harassment intensifying. As a result, the employees have formally requested a meeting with President Muizzu to resolve the issue.

A letter sent to the President's Office on September 25th, expressed that the employees' concerns remain unaddressed. They emphasized the need to protect their rights and voiced frustration over the CSC's lack of response at the time of submission.

The employees allege the work environment has deteriorated further, with the ministry divided into factions. Staff who raised the initial concerns now feel marginalized.

In the letter, the employees requested an urgent meeting with President Muizzu, stating, "The staff of this Ministry, who work with the government, request a meeting with you [the President] at the earliest opportunity, to resolve this matter."

A summary document attached to the letter outlined the challenges faced by employees, including:

• Claims that Minister Adam Naseer Ibrahim misrepresented the truth during a press conference at the President’s Office, with documentation to support their claims
• Allegations of political appointees intimidating and verbally abusing civil servants
• The Ministry’s failure to comply with government directives to cut expenses
• Missed opportunities to attend international conferences and trainings due to policy delays
• Accusations that Athika Ibrahim is abusing her authority to hinder staff responsibilities, allegedly acting on instructions from the Minister

CSC President Mohamed Naasih confirmed last week that investigations into the complaints remain ongoing.

Both Athika Ibrahim and Minister Adam Naseer Ibrahim have denied the allegations. Attempts to reach Athika for comment were unsuccessful. During a press conference last month, Minister Naseer praised Athika’s work and stated that he had not received any formal complaints against her.