Deputy ministers Shiuna and Malsha resign after monthslong suspension

Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef – two of three deputy ministers from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Art who were suspended in January for derogatory social media remarks about a foreign leader – have resigned from their posts.

Shiuna, Malsha and Abdul Mahzoom Majid – another deputy minister at the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Art, were suspended by the President’s Office on January 7, after they made derogatory remarks on social media about India and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

They had been on paid suspension in the eight months since.

Both Shiuna and Malsha confirmed to Sun that they have tendered their resignation. They declined to comment on the reason for their decision.

Shiuna and Malsha had worked as close aides to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu since his tenure as the Mayor of Male’ City. They were both appointed as deputy ministers after President Muizzu assumed office in November last year.

The derogatory remarks in question came after Indian PM Modi posted a video from a visit to Lakshadweep. It created a social media storm, when some perceived it as an appeal to avoid vacations in the Maldives.

Relations between Male’ and New Delhi had been already strained after President Muizzu demanded that India withdraw its troops from Maldives – executing a pledge he made during his presidential campaign.

The social media row escalated further after Shiuna, Malsha and Mahzoon joined in and made derogatory remarks.

Maldives Foreign Ministry was quick to distance itself from the remarks, saying that they do not represent the views of the Male’ government. The three junior ministers were suspended.

The remarks led to a diplomatic incident and plummeted tourist arrivals from India – which had been the top source market for visitors to Maldives throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

But relations between Male’ and Delhi appear to be on the mend, with key visits between the two countries in recent month, including a visit to Male’ last month by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.