The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has appointed Mohamed Yaniu Hashim as the new Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture, and Heritage amidst ongoing allegations of harassment and bullying against the acting PS, Athika Ibrahim.
Yaniu Hashim, who has previously served at the Housing Ministry and the Islamic University of Maldives, takes over from Athika, who had been filling the position in an acting capacity since March of this year. Shamoon Hameed, the former PS, completed his five-year term in March, after which Athika, the Ministry’s Director General, assumed the role.
However, Athika’s tenure has been marked by serious accusations. Nearly two dozen employees of the Ministry submitted a petition to the CSC, alleging that Athika and other leaders within the Ministry engaged in bullying and misconduct, disrupting normal operations and creating a hostile work environment.
The petition detailed claims of mistreatment, with employees accusing Athika of using her position to intimidate and disrespect staff, leading to confusion, dissatisfaction, and unrest. Despite these complaints, employees report that the situation worsened after the petition, prompting them to seek a meeting with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to address the issue.
During a press conference at the President's Office last month, Minister of Culture Adam Naseer defended Athika, commending her work and stating that no formal complaints had been submitted to him regarding her behavior.
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.
