Popular economist and former State Minister of Finance and Vice Governor of Maldives Monetary Authority, MMA, Arif Hilmy has declined President Gayoom's offer to be the next Governor of MMA following the appointment of former Governor Abdulla Jihad as the new Finance Minister on
This was announced at the Peoples Majlis meeting today which was about to deliberate on the proposal of President Gayoom to appoint Arif to the important position. MMA law requires Majlis to approve the nomination before President can appoint the nominee, but before the issue was open for debate, Majlis Speaker Ahmed Zahir has announced that he has received a letter from the President informing Arif has declined the offer.
Arif was acclaimed as one of the most successful Finance Minister and the years in which he steered the Finance Ministry saw some very impressive economic performance. He resigned due to health reasons, but analyts said he was not happy about some of the policies of the Government. Last week Arif was seen meeting President Gayoom when the Government announced his name will be proposed to Majlis for approval for appoint to the top monetary post.
Some believe, Arif would have declined the offer for two reasons, one his health, two, he does not want to take such a formidable job during a time when country is facing unprecedented economic difficulties. They say he wants to save the good name of being a successful and respected Finance Minister. Arif was State Minister for Finance and Vice Governor of MMA from 11 November 1993 to 31 May 2000
Comments
People like Arif are gone cases they should not seek high office.