# Ahmed Haitham

Ahmed Haitham (/ˈɑːməd ˈhaɪθəm/ AH-maadh-HA-ai-THAAM; Dhivehi: އަޙްމަދު ޚައިތަމް; born 17 September 1980) is a Maldivian politician and a former parliamentarian, known for his advocacy in social justice, child welfare, and anti-corruption efforts. He is a former member of the People's Majlis representing the South Machangoalhi constituency. He was elected in 2019, serving until 2024. In 2023, amidst internal party discord, he resigned from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and subsequently aligned himself with the People's National Congress. Haitham was known for his active role in social justice, child welfare, and health-related issues during his tenure. He is credited with orchestrating a Maldivian ban on Israeli passports as well as unveiling high-profile corruption in COVID-19 ventilator procurement, culminating in the ousting of the health minister. On 17 December 2023, during his tenure as a parliamentarian, Ahmed Haitham was elected to the executive committee of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), serving as the Country Treasurer.
During his tenure in parliament, Haitham held positions in several standing committees and subcommittees, contributing to policymaking on various national and international issues. He was a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, and the Committee on National Security Services. He served as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee of the Joint Committee on Economic Affairs and Environment and Climate Change and the Subcommittee on National Security Services, which addressed the Chagos Archipelago sovereignty dispute. Haitham also chaired two subcommittees under the Committee on Environment and Climate Change, overseeing the Energy Bill (Dhivehi: ހަކަތައިގެ ބިލު) and the PLS work of the Climate Emergency Act. These roles encompassed areas such as foreign relations, national security, and environmental policy.

## Early life and education

Ahmed Haitham was born on 17 September 1980 in Malé, Maldives. Haitham was born to Aishath Ahmed, an Information and Communication Technology administrative professional, who received the National Service Award from the president of the Maldives for her 46 years of service at the Administration for the Communication Authority of the Maldives on 29 July 2023. Haitham's early education took place at Jamaluddin School and Iskandhar School. He then attended Majeedhiyya School, where he completed his secondary education in 1997, obtaining a G.C.E University of London Ordinary Level Certification.
As a licensed IT professional, Haitham pursued various professional certifications and licenses in the field of network security and cybersecurity. He gained qualifications in systems architecture, network management, and cybersecurity. These licenses complemented his formal education. His professional licenses include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
Haitham further expanded his expertise beyond technology. In 2015, he obtained a professional license as a Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), earning a Diploma in Nutrition Wellness & Health. In March 2023, he completed a Program Diploma in Global Governance from the International Business Management Institute (IBMI).

## Early career

Ahmed Haitham began his career in the late 1990s in various administrative and technical roles. His professional journey started in 1998 as a Visa Officer at a Private Limited, followed by a position as Human Resources Officer at Maldives Ports Authority from 1999 to 2000. He then transitioned into the technology sector, working as an IT Technician at Infotech (2002–2003) and later as an Operations Manager at Island Computers (2003–2004). From 2004 to 2017, Haitham held multiple positions in the IT sector, including roles as Computer Technician at Focus Computers, Computer Engineer at Sinnaps Pvt Ltd, and ICT Engineer at Pan Ocean. During this period, he also served as ICT Manager at Shinetree.
In addition to his work in ICT, Haitham worked as a photojournalist for Minivan Daily, a publication known for its critical coverage of political and social issues. During his tenure in 2012, he was arrested while covering politically sensitive events in the Maldives. On the eve of 11 July 2012, Haitham was reportedly assaulted by police while covering a protest, an incident that underscored the difficulties faced by journalists during that period. According to media reports, several journalists, including Haitham and Ahmed Shanoon of Raajje TV—who suffered a collarbone injury after being struck with a baton, were targeted while reporting on politically charged events. The period was marked by ongoing challenges to press freedom in the Maldives, with journalists frequently subjected to harassment, arrests, and physical attacks by authorities.
Prior to entering politics in 2019, Haitham established himself as both an entrepreneur and fitness professional. He served as Managing Director of two IT companies: Antimatter Private Limited and Createch Private Limited, both specialising in technology solutions. Additionally, he founded and managed Celestial Private Limited, a company supplying swimming pool chemicals to numerous Maldivian resorts. Beyond his business ventures, Haitham was actively involved in the fitness industry, owning a gym in Malé and working as a health coach and fitness instructor.

## Elections

In the MDP primary election for the South Machangoalhi constituency held on 19 January 2019, Ahmed Haitham, represented the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), was elected as the Member of Parliament for South Machangoalhi in the 8 April 2019 parliamentary elections, contributing to the MDP's historic landslide victory. The 2019 Maldivian parliamentary election marked the first time a single party secured a supermajority in the People's Majlis, with the MDP winning 65 out of 87 seats.
Haitham's campaign in South Machangoalhi was faced with challenges, including incidents of vandalism and intimidation. His campaign booth near the Machchangolhi cemetery was damaged, with glass panels shattered and banners removed. Campaign banners across the constituency were also taken down, while six bikes, including one used by a member of Haitham's campaign team, were set on fire near a local shop, Haitham received death threats demanding his withdrawal from the election following these incidents. Despite these threats and incidents, the campaign proceeded. Allegations of an anti-Islamic agenda caused pre-election disunity during Haitham's 2019 campaign

## Electoral history

The 2019 Maldivian parliamentary elections were a pivotal moment in Maldivian politics. Led by president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and former president Mohamed Nasheed, the MDP's "Agenda 19" campaign emphasised reform and development pledges. The party triumphed in major population hubs, including nearly all seats in Malé, where Haitham's constituency was a key victory. With the MDP's supermajority, the new parliament held unprecedented legislative power, enabling constitutional amendments and judicial reforms. Haitham's election from South Machhangoalhi symbolised this transformative shift in Maldivian politics, where the MDP moved to implement its ambitious reform agenda.
2019 South Machangolhi parliamentary election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | MDP | Ahmed Haitham | 933 | 45.1 |
| | Independent | Abdulla Sinan | 693 | 33.5 |
| | JP | Ibrahim Mamnoon | 350 | 16.9 |
| | Independent | Abdulla Leemaan Zahir | 96 | 4.6 |
| | Independent | Fuad Thaufeeq | 74 | 3.6 |
| | Independent | Ibrahim Shakir | 15 | 0.7 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,161 | 100.0 |
| | MDP hold | MDP hold | MDP hold | MDP hold |
Source: Elections Commission
Haitham secured the South Machangoalhi constituency, winning 933 votes. Defeating the then-sitting MP Abdulla Sinan who followed with 693 votes, while the remaining candidates, including independent contenders and Ibrahim Mamnoon of the Jumhooree Party (JP), received smaller shares of the vote. Ahmed Haitham took his oath as a parliamentarian of the People's Majlis on 28 May 2019, along with the 85 newly elected members of the 19th Parliament. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Chief Justice Ahmed Abdulla Didi and took place inside the chambers of the Maldivian Parliament.
On 2 July 2019, Ahmed Haitham was elected as a whip of MDP during the party's parliamentary group elections. His election was part of broader leadership selections within the MDP, following its landslide victory in the April 2019 parliamentary elections. Haitham's role as a whip positioned him as a key figure in maintaining party cohesion and legislative strategy within the parliamentary group.

## Legislative tenure

Ahmed Haitham's first noteworthy parliamentary initiative was the proposal to ban single-use plastics in the People's Majlis. He began by demonstrating his commitment to the cause, bringing a glass bottle to the Majlis on 18 June 2019's parliamentary session as an example of reducing plastic use. Haitham's initiative led to an amendment that resulted in the Maldivian parliament unanimously passing a ban on single-use plastics in People's Majlis, marking a significant step toward environmental sustainability in the parliament. On 1 July 2019, a resolution to impose a nation-wide ban on single-use plastics was brought to the floor of the Maldivian parliament by the Environment and Climate Change Committee, where Ahmed Haitham served as Vice Chair. The resolution was presented following a special request made by school students urging greater action on environmental protection. This marked the beginning of legislative efforts to reduce plastic waste in the Maldives, with the resolution calling for a reduction in the production of small plastic water bottles, the ban of certain plastic products such as supari packets and straws, and the establishment of alternative solutions for plastic bags, aiming for implementation by 2025.

### Resolution on undocumented and illegal workers

On June 23, 2019, during the 7th sitting of the National Security and Foreign Relations Committee, MP Haitham proposed a resolution addressing undocumented and illegal migrants in the Maldives. According to the parliamentary Hansard, Haitham emphasised that the Maldives was facing unprecedented challenges with its migrant worker population. He cited that approximately 63,000 undocumented migrants were residing in the country, with total migrant workers estimated between 145,000 and 230,000, constituting nearly one-third of the Maldives' resident population. In his address to the committee, Haitham outlined how this significant demographic shift posed various challenges to national security, economic stability, and social infrastructure. The parliamentary records show that Haitham framed the issue as a potential national security threat, emphasising the need for an accurate count of illegal immigrants and a coordinated response involving key stakeholders. His presentation to the committee, documented in the June 23, 2019 Hansard, focused on several critical factors: the challenges of border security and national oversight due to inadequate documentation, the vulnerability of undocumented workers to exploitation and forced labor, and the Maldives' position on the 'Tier 2 Watchlist' in Trafficking in Persons Report for three consecutive years 2018–2020.
He particularly emphasised the implications for the country's tourism industry, which relies on migrant labor. The Hansard further records Haitham's concerns about economic implications. While acknowledging migrant workers as key contributors to economic development, particularly in tourism, construction, and the service sectors, he highlighted how undocumented workers had created parallel economies and widespread fraud in quota issues. He emphasised that the lack of proper documentation and monitoring made it difficult to track individuals within the country, leading to various social and economic challenges requiring immediate government attention.

#### Committee proceedings and stakeholder involvement

On July 17, 2019, the committee summoned representatives from various government agencies, including the Maldives Police Services, Maldives Immigration, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Labor Relations Authority. Due to the sensitive nature of the discussions and national security implications, these committee proceedings were classified as confidential at the stakeholders' request. Throughout late 2019, Haitham led several committee meetings. On August 5, he introduced discussions about optimising the PISCES system for Maldives, following up with further deliberations on September 4. The committee continued its oversight with additional PISCES system discussions on October 28, 2019. During the February 18, 2020 meeting, Haitham emphasised the need for better visibility of individuals' entry and exit status.

#### Impact and aftermath

Following Haitham's initiative on June 23, 2019, the government implemented several measures to address undocumented migrants in the Maldives. Then Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail announced his intention to resign if the issue of illegal expatriates remained unresolved. The Regularisation Program, launched in September 2019, revealed that 90% of applicants lacked passports. By 2023, 43,787 undocumented workers had registered, with 16,351 requests approved and 8,938 workers repatriated. The Special Voluntary Departure Program (SVDP) operated from July 24 to December 31, 2020, registering approximately 12,000 expatriates, with over 6,000 returning to Maldives legally. In 2021, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) established a Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) in the Greater Male' area, and the government launched Immigration Watch for public reporting of violations. By September 2021, approximately 24,000 workers had returned to their countries, with 45.43% of registered expatriate workers either regularised or repatriated. From November 2023 onwards, immigration authorities deported over 4,300 expatriates, with the administration setting a target to deport 5,000 illegal expatriates within a year. These initiatives addressed national security concerns while considering humanitarian aspects for undocumented workers, reflecting a balance between enforcement and human rights considerations.

### Ventilator corruption inquiry

Haitham initiated an inquiry into the ventilator procurement process during the Maldives' COVID-19 pandemic response. On April 10, 2020, Haitham sent a formal letter to Health Minister Abdulla Ameen, posing ten questions about the procurement of 75 ventilators from Dubai-based Executors General Trading for MVR 34.5 million. The letter sought clarification on delays in ventilator deliveries, the procurement method, the government's strategy to achieve its 200-ventilator target, verification of claims about ventilators in transit, assurances regarding arrivals, and explanations for delays attributed to travel restrictions. Haitham's inquiry was prompted by public concern over lack of transparency and inconsistencies in official statements. The significant public funds involved and reports of only ten non-compliant ventilators being delivered despite a 90% upfront payment raised questions about financial management. This letter marked the beginning of Haitham's efforts to uncover details of the ventilator scandal, leading to a full-scale investigation and political consequences.

#### Response and impact

On April 28, 2020, Minister Ameen responded to Haitham's letter, while a notice was sent to minister prior to the response noting that a 14-day period is given to respond under Article 74 of the Constitution, the People's Majlis said that the health minister had failed to send a response before this period expired at 2 p.m. on Monday April 27, 2020, response stated that the contracts were awarded to companies with a history of supplying medical equipment to the ministry. Ameen claimed delays were due to global lockdowns and travel restrictions, and that Executors General Trading was recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). These claims were later contradicted by an audit report. A compliance audit report released in August 2020 revealed that the Health Ministry had not followed regulations in awarding the contract. It exposed that Executors General Trading was not a WHO-recommended supplier, contrary to the government's earlier claims. On August 26, 2020, Ameen responded to allegations, citing the state of emergency and global ventilator shortage as justifications for their actions. On October 14, 2020, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) forwarded charges against eleven health ministry officials, including Minister Ameen, to the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO). The PGO decided not to press charges on October 20, 2020, citing insufficient evidence. In response, on November 2, 2020, the People's Majlis passed a motion to seek a review of the PGO's decision.

#### Aftermath

On August 26, 2020, Health Minister Abdulla Ameen appeared before the Parliament's Public Finance Committee to address allegations about the ventilator procurement. Ameen had resigned from his position on May 27, 2020, amid criticism over the scandal. Prior to his resignation, Ameen had recused himself from duties on August 17, 2020, but continued to receive his full salary until at least October 12, 2020, due to lack of policies for unpaid suspension. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) recommended prosecution of Ameen and health ministry officials for negligence in disbursing funds. However, the Prosecutor General's Office repeatedly declined to press charges, citing insufficient evidence. On February 16, 2023, the government filed a complaint with the Maldives International Arbitration Centre, seeking MVR 32.5 million in compensation for non-delivery of ventilators. On March 7, 2024, Attorney General stated that while full recovery of compensation was unlikely, the government would pursue the matter in Dubai's courts. Haitham's actions led to political consequences within his party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), where he served as a party whip. His investigation of a minister from his own government for corruption created tensions within the ruling party then, as President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih declined to address the findings.
In September 2023, Haitham left the ruling MDP and became a member of the opposition, following political pressures and threats to his safety.

## Personal life

On 15 October 2020, Haitham married Shajaan Muaz Shaheem. Shajaan gave birth to their twins, a girl and a boy, in 2021, prematurely at 29 weeks due to threats and harassment during her pregnancy. Together, they have four more children.