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Ahmed Haitham
އަޙްމަދު ޚައިތަމް
Member of the People's Majlis
In office
28 May 2019 – 28 May 2024
PresidentIbrahim Mohamed Solih
Vice PresidentFaisal Naseem
Preceded byAbdulla Sinan
Succeeded byMusthafa Hassan
Parliamentary groupMaldivian Democratic Party (2019–2023)
People's National Congress (Maldives) (2023–2024)
ConstituencyMachangoalhi South
Parliamentary Group Whip
In office
2 July 2019 – 29 September 2023
Parliamentary groupMaldivian Democratic Party
Country Treasurer to the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption
In office
17 December 2023 – 15 July 2024
Preceded byFirst Holder
Succeeded byAhmed Shakir
Parliamentary groupMaldivian Democratic Party
Personal details
Born (1980-09-17) 17 September 1980 (age 44)
Malé, Maldives
Political partyCongress (2023–present)
Other political
affiliations		Democratic (2019–2023)
SpouseShajaan Muaz Shaheem
Children5
ProfessionPolitician

Ahmed Haitham (Dhivehi: އަޙްމަދު ޚައިތަމް: born 17 September 1980) is a Maldivian parliamentarian who was a former member of parliament representing the South Machangoalhi constituency.[1] 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.[2][3][4][5] Haitham was known for his active role in social justice, child welfare, and health-related issues during his tenure.[6][7] He is credited with orchestrating a Maldivian ban on Israeli passports[8][9][10] as well as unveiling high-profile corruption in COVID-19 ventilator procurement, culminating in the ousting of the health minister.[11][12][13][14][15] 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.[16]

During his tenure in parliament, Haitham held positions in several standing committees and subcommittees, contributing to policymaking on various national and international issues.[1] He was a member of the Foreign Relations Committee[17], and the Committee on National Security Services.[18] He served as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee of the Joint Committee on Economic Affairs and Environment and Climate Change[19] and the Subcommittee on National Security Services, which addressed the Chagos Archipelago sovereignty dispute.[20] 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.[21] These roles encompassed areas such as foreign relations, national security, and environmental policy.

Early life

[edit]

Ahmed Haitham began his career in the late 1990s as an information technology professional. Over two decades, he worked on various ICT projects and provided consultancy for multiple companies, contributing to the advancement of technology in the Maldives.[22] Haitham’s educational background includes attending Jamaluddin School, Iskandhar School, and Majeediyya School. He has earned various professional certifications and licenses in fields such as systems architecture, network management, and cybersecurity.[22]

Haitham, captured during his time as a Minivan Daily photojournalist, documenting a protest in 2012.

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.[23][24] 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.[25] 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. [26][27]

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Prior to his political career in 2019, he was also involved in the fitness industry, owning a gym in the capital and working as a certified health coach and a fitness instructor.[22][28]

Personal life

[edit]

Ahmed Haitham was born on 17 September 1980 to Aishath Ahmed,[22] recipient of the National Service Award[29] 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.[30] On 15 October 2020, Haitham married Shajaan Muaz Shaheem.[31] Shajaan gave birth to their twins, a girl named Vera Calista Haitham and a boy named Nathaniel Cairo Haitham, on 12 August 2021,[32] prematurely at 29 weeks due to threats and harassment during her pregnancy. Together, they have three more children.[33][34]

Electoral history

[edit]

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 8th of April 2019 parliamentary elections[35][36], contributing to the MDP’s historic landslide victory.[37] 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.[38][39]

Haitham’s campaign in South Machangoalhi was faced challenges, including incidents of vandalism and intimidation.[40] His campaign booth near the Machchangolhi cemetery was damaged, with glass panels shattered and banners removed.[40] 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.[41] Despite these threats and incidents, the campaign proceeded.[40] Allegations of an anti-Islamic agenda caused pre-election disunity during Haitham’s 2019 campaign[42]

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.[43][44] The party triumphed in major population hubs, including nearly all seats in Malé, where Haitham’s constituency was a key victory.[39][45] With the MDP’s supermajority, the new parliament held unprecedented legislative power, enabling constitutional amendments and judicial reforms.[46][47] Haitham’s election from South Machhangoalhi symbolised this transformative shift in Maldivian politics, where the MDP believed moved to implement its ambitious reform agenda.[40][48]

Election Results
Candidate Party Votes
Ahmed Haitham MDP 933
Abdulla Sinan Independent 693
Ibrahim Mamnoon JP 350
Abdulla Leemaan Zahir Independent 96
Fuad Thaufeeq Independent 74
Ibrahim Shakir Independent 15
Source: Elections Commission[49]

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.[35][50]

Haitham taking the oath as a parliamentarian of the People’s Majlis on 28 May 2019[51]

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.[52] The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Chief Justice Ahmed Abdulla Didi and took place inside the chambers of the Maldivian Parliament.[53][54]

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.[55]

Legislative Tenure

[edit]

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 18th of June 2019´s parliamentary session as an example of reducing plastic use.[56] 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.[56]

4th Environment and Climate Change Committee held on 23 June 2019.

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.[57][1] The resolution was presented following a special request made by school students urging greater action on environmental protection.[58] 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.[59]

In September 2023, Haitham left the ruling MDP and became a member of the opposition, following political pressures and threats to his safety.[60][61][62][63][64][65]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Ahmed Haitham". People's Majlis. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  2. ^ Hussain, Shafraz Ahmed (28 September 2023). "MP Haitham leaves MDP". Maldives Voice. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  3. ^ "MP Haitham leaves MDP citing 'loss of values'". Sun. 28 September 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  4. ^ "MP Haitham leaves the main-ruling MDP". Avas. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
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  7. ^ Hadi, Ahmedulla Abdul (8 July 2020). "Speaker: No one is better aware of child abuse issues than MPs". Sun. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  8. ^ "MP Haitham Calls for Restriction of Israeli Tourists to Maldives". MV+. 19 October 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  9. ^ "MP Haitham calls for travel ban on Israeli citizens". Sun. 17 October 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  10. ^ Sarkar, Alisha Rahaman (3 June 2024). "Israel asks citizens to leave Maldives after island's ban on Israeli nationals". The Independent. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
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  13. ^ Mohamed, Mizna (28 April 2020). "Minister responds to MP's queries amid allegations of constitutional breach". ThePress. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
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  16. ^ Sulaimaan, Ali (17 December 2023). "މަޖިލިސް މެމްބަރުން ކޮރަޕްޝަނާއި ދުރުކުރުވުމަށް މަސައްކަތް ކުރާ ޖަމާޢަތް ގޯޕެކްގެ ރާއްޖޭގެ ގޮފީގެ އިންތިޚާބު ބާއްވައިފި" [An organization that works to help MPs to stop corruption GOPAC held elections for Maldives]. Noon. Retrieved 16 December 2024. 2. އަޙްމަދު ޚައިތަމް - ޓްރެޜަރަރ [2. Ahmed Haitham - Treasurer]
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  21. ^ "19th Sub Committee of Committee on Environment and Climate Change (Hakathaige Bill)". People's Majlis. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  22. ^ a b c d Shareef, Hussain (2 May 2022). "ހައިތަމްގެ ހަޔާތުގައި ކާމިޔާބަށް ކުރެއްވި ދަތުރު". Vaguthu (in Divehi). Retrieved 17 December 2024.
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  27. ^ "July 14, 2012 – Minivan News – Archive". 2012-07-14. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
  28. ^ "Physical Fitness Center". Local.mv in the Maldives. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
  29. ^ "The President awards National Public Service honour to 148 veteran State employees". The President's Office. 29 July 2023. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
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  32. ^ "ޝަޖާންގެ ދުލުން: ކުދިން ސަލާމަތްވީ ހަމަ ކިރިޔާ". Avas (in Divehi). 25 October 2021. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  33. ^ "މެންބަރު ހައިތަމްގެ ދެމަފިރިކަނބަލުންނަށް އިންޒާރު ދިން މައްސަލައެއް ފުލުހުން ބަލަނީ". PSM News (in Divehi). 5 June 2021. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  34. ^ "މެމްބަރު ހައިތަމް އަށް އެއްމާބަނޑު ދެ ކުދިން ލިބިވަޑައިގެންފި". Vaguthu (in Divehi). 13 August 2021. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  35. ^ a b "Parliamentary Election 2019 Statistics". Elections Commission. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
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  40. ^ a b c d Imad, Amnaa (4 April 2019). "އިންޒާރު ދިން ނަމަވެސް އެމްޑީޕީގެ އެއްވެސް ކެންޑިޑޭޓެއް ފަހަތަށް ނުޖެހޭނެ: ހައިތަމް". Raajje TV (in Divehi). Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  41. ^ Yameen, Mohamed (23 March 2019). "އެމްޑީޕީގެ ކެންޑިޑޭޓު ހައިތަމްގެ ކެމްޕެއިން ޖަގަހަ އަށް ގެއްލުން ދީފި". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Retrieved 17 December 2024.
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  48. ^ "Party of Exiled Former Maldives Leader Wins Historic Victory". Voice of America. Agence France-Presse. 10 April 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  49. ^ "Parliamentary Election 2019 Statistics". Elections Commission. Retrieved 16 December 2024. Go to the "Results" tab and search "Mahchangoalhee Dhekunu" (meaning South Machangoalhi).
  50. ^ "Machangolhi Dhekunu Dhaairaa". Majlis Election 2019. Mihaaru. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
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  54. ^ Ali, Humaam (29 May 2019). "Newly elected MPs take oath of office". Raajje TV. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
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  56. ^ a b "Majileehah misaalu dhakkavai dhevvi memberakah Haitham!". Voice.mv. Archived from the original on 2022-10-01. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
  57. ^ "Committee Meeting - People's Majlis of Maldives". majlis.gov.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
  58. ^ "Parliament passes resolution to ban single-use plastics by 2025". SunOnline International. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
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  61. ^ "Former MP Haitham's car blown up in Sri Lanka". adhadhu.com (in Divehi). Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  62. ^ "MP Haitham leaves the main-ruling MDP". avas.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  63. ^ "Action must be taken against those who mock Islam: Haitham". The Times of Addu. 2021-05-18. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  64. ^ "Parliament passes resolution calling for a ban on Israeli tourists and products". Adhadhu. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  65. ^ Richards, Andrew (2023-09-29). "MDP Loses MP as Former MP Joins Fold". Maldives Republic. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
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