President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has put forth two former Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) chiefs, Yazeed Mohamed and Hassan Zareer, as contenders for the esteemed position of Commissioner General of Taxation. The nominations, in accordance with the Administrative Taxation Act, have been referred to the relevant Parliament committee for consideration.
Yazeed Mohamed, who previously held the role of Commissioner General of Taxation during the administration of former President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom, is once again in the spotlight. His wealth of experience and familiarity with tax matters positions him as a strong candidate for the crucial role.
Hassan Zareer, who served as Deputy Commissioner General of Taxation during the same period, joins Yazeed on the list of nominees. His expertise and understanding of the intricacies of tax administration make him a worthy contender.
The vacancy for the Commissioner General of Taxation arose following the resignation of the former commissioner, Fathuhulla Jameel, who is now set to contest the upcoming parliamentary election under the banner of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
The selection process involved an open application, with candidates vying for the prestigious position. President Muizzu meticulously evaluated the nominees, ranking them based on his preference.
Both Yazeed and Zareer faced setbacks in 2019 due to an amendment to the Taxation Act. However, their re-nomination underscores their resilience and commitment to public service.
Fathuhulla Jameel, who stepped into the role after Yazeed’s departure, tendered his resignation on February 1, following the MDP administration’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election to the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People’s National Congress (PNC) coalition.
The Parliament’s Economic Committee will now scrutinize the nominees, ensuring that they meet the necessary qualifications and possess the vision to lead the tax administration effectively.
As per legal requirements, the final appointment of the tax commissioner will be subject to parliamentary approval. The Maldives awaits the decision that will shape its fiscal landscape in the coming years.
