Mohamed Shihab appointed as Finance Minister

The President has appointed Mohamed Shihab as Finance Minister and presented him the letter of appointment.

The former Home Minister was appointed for this post due to the resignation of the former Finance Minister Ahmed Inaz on 29 December.

Shihab held the post of the President’s Political Advisor up till today, due to the Parliament rejecting his appointment as Home Minister, following which he acted as a de facto Minister.

After the presentation of the letter of appointment, the President said, that currently the financial and economical policies in the Maldives are undergoing major changes, and that at a time when the government’s budget is increasing significantly, it is important that this money is spent in ways which are beneficial to the Maldivian citizens. He also said that Shihab is a capable person for this role.

Shihaab said today that he will continue to serve in this position for as much as his means and capacity allows. While he assumes this post today, Housing Minister Mohamed Aslam is the current acting Finance Minister.

Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair said that Shihaab had previously worked in the Parliament for a long period of time, and even held the post of the President of the Parliament, and that there is no doubt that he has the potential to manage the Finance Ministry.

The oath was led today by Judge of Supreme Court Abdulla Areef.