President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that there is currently no responsible opposition political party in the Maldives. He made the remarks while speaking about the government’s policies and the role of the opposition in national politics.
President Muizzu stated that the current administration prioritises the nation above all else, adding that any action benefiting the country and its citizens forms part of the government’s policy direction. He said the administration does not hold any perspective other than one centred on putting the nation first.
The President further remarked that opposition parties have failed to provide any substantial response to the government’s policies or ongoing initiatives. He noted the opposition has nothing to offer regarding the services provided to citizens by the government or the results achieved through its policies. He also stated that opposition parties have not demonstrated how they could perform better.
President Muizzu said that although democracy is often discussed, what is currently missing in the Maldives is a responsible opposition party.
“They have nothing to offer by saying, ‘This way would be better.’ Among them, there is only self-interest. There is no sincerity toward one another, no friendship, and certainly no prioritisation of the nation. They lack the culture of a responsible opposition to engage with the work we are doing in the manner it should be done,” the President said.
The President also alleged that the opposition is driven by self-interest, referring specifically to the “ventilator theft” case linked to the previous administration during the COVID-19 pandemic. He described the case as a major embezzlement of public funds and expressed hope that the relevant institutions would investigate the matter thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable.
In addition, President Muizzu referred to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption scandal, stating that such acts of betrayal against the Maldivian people must be investigated and punished.
The President called on independent institutions to investigate the MMPRC case and other alleged thefts in order to restore the rights of citizens, pledging that his administration would provide full cooperation to such efforts.