Ahmed Haitham
އަޙްމަދު ޚައިތަމްFormer Member of the People's Majlis for South Machangoalhi. A former journalist, technology professional and entrepreneur, known in Parliament for pressing ministers on accountability, from the COVID-19 ventilator inquiry to the treatment of undocumented migrant workers.
Holding power to account
The issues Ahmed Haitham raised in the Majlis, often against his own party's government at the time.
The ventilator inquiry
In April 2020 he formally questioned the Health Minister over an MVR 34.5 million ventilator deal. A later audit found procurement rules had not been followed, and the minister resigned.
Undocumented migrant workers
In June 2019 he brought a resolution on an estimated 63,000 undocumented workers, raising the risks of exploitation and trafficking. A government regularisation programme followed in September.
Climate & the ocean
As Vice Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, he pushed to phase out single-use plastics, chaired the subcommittee on the Energy Bill and scrutinised the Climate Emergency Act.
Children, health & rehabilitation
He moved a child-protection resolution passed with 68 votes, and called for an inquiry into delays in emergency health care. He also championed the "Change NDA 2020" petition to reform drug rehabilitation.
We have all failed on the drug issue. Ahmed Haitham, as the Majlis debated the Change NDA 2020 petition report, November 2021 (as reported by Sangu)
A journalist's instinct for the facts
Before he entered politics, Ahmed Haitham worked as a photojournalist for Minivan Daily. He was assaulted by police while covering a protest in July 2012.
He brought that experience to the Majlis, alongside two decades in information technology and cybersecurity and years running his own businesses. He wrote to ministers, asked for documents and followed the evidence, even when it led to his own government.
Read the full biographyA public life, in brief
- 2012
Covering the protests
As a Minivan Daily photojournalist, he was assaulted while reporting on a protest in Malé.
- Apr 2019
Elected to the People's Majlis
Won South Machangoalhi with 43.2% of the vote, part of a historic 65-seat majority.
- Jul 2019
Parliamentary group whip
Elected a whip, a role he held until September 2023.
- Apr 2020
Ventilator inquiry begins
Sent ten formal questions to the Health Minister on a MVR 34.5m procurement.
- Sep 2021
Energy Act passed
The Majlis passed the Energy Bill, which his subcommittee had reviewed in 2020.
- Sep 2023
Leaves the MDP
Resigned, saying the party had departed from its values and had not backed the issues he raised.
- Dec 2023
Joins the People's National Congress
One of 13 MPs who joined the PNC. Also elected treasurer of the Maldives chapter of GOPAC.
- May 2024
Pre-approved visa resolution
The Majlis adopted his resolution on electronic travel authorisation for tourists.
Press coverage
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In the Majlis
Contact
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