Minister of State for Tourism Mizna Shareef submits resignation

Minister of State for Tourism, Arts and Culture Mariyam Mizna Shareef has submitted her resignation.

President’s Office has confirmed that the President received a letter from the State Minister expressing her intention to resign today. The office did not reveal the reasons stated for her resignation.

Speaking to Sun tonight, Mizna said that she decided to resign over differences with the Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Adheeb. She said that the Minister’s decisions have trampled the rights of certain parties, such as some who have acquired picnic islands on subleases. Some of these issues have progressed to court cases, she said. Stating another issue of discontent, Mizna said that certain decisions by the Ministry regarding collaterals have caused the banks to lose faith in the Ministry.

Criticizing the Minister further, Mizna said that Adheeb is often inclined to forego proper Civil Service channels and while he sometimes prefers to make certain decisions without consultation, he also prefers to consult with certain civil servants over others. She also accused the Minister of framing his decisions in ways that might facilitate corruption.

Mizna said that, in implementing certain government policies, the Ministry sometimes makes decision that could facilitate unfair advantages to specific parties.

State Minister Mizna denied any connection between her resignation and the dismissal of Deputy Minister for Tourism, Maleeh Jamaal today.

An official from the Tourism Ministry who spoke to Sun tonight criticized Mizna Shareef and accused her of prioritizing the work of her law firm over her responsibilities at the Ministry. The official said that Mizna often had disputes with the Minister.