With the introduction of new constitution we expected lean,
mean and effective public institutions that could generate results. Instead it
became a model of mismanagement acquiring numerous layers of fat in the form of
political posts that suck resources best used elsewhere. Change in governments
could not put a stop to distribution of political posts by the executive branch
to clans, like spoils of war.
The parliament not to be left behind surprised and even surpassed the
executive/government in the race for increasing political posts with the new
decentralization bill. The bill introduced more than 1000 posts of island
councilors; not to mention previous laws that created the post of
parliament member for every 5000 pop.
With these developments democracy became a fiscally bitter pill to swallow
for a debt ridden country like Maldives on the red. What could be the reason?
First, politicians may have doubts about public servants being politically
neutral professionals with commitment to serve any government of the day
leading them to bring in their own management team to ensure their policies are
implemented without delay.
Second, ever increasing appetite of private sector for cheap labour (foreign
labour) and cheap profits lead us to be classified as 22nd
most miserable country in the world with 28% percent unemployment. Lack of successful effort from government, in
increasing employment opportunities could have pressured the parliament from
the grass root level to increase political posts at island level. What we gather from the actions of parliament
and government is that somehow distributing political posts is more appealing
than long term solutions like fixing a minimum wage.
The answer to having lessor number of political posts and
improving our fiscal health lies in a vibrant private sector that has a healthy
appetite for employing locals and a government determined to increase employability
of Maldivians with various policy tools. Finally need
for putting layers and layers of political staff in civil service could become
irrelevant if the politicians could TRUST them to be professional, loyal and
committed to governments of all colours.
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