Solih: The public forced into sorrow as govt. marks one year

Former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih states the citizens have lost hope and are in sorrow as President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration marks one year since assuming office.

Speaking at Raajje TV’s ‘Fashaairu’ program on Sunday, Solih accused the current administration of moving forward aimlessly as a result of which citizens remain in fear. He also alleged multiple violations of democracy in the span of the past year.

“I see them as a government without hope, without aim. The citizens have been forced into sorrow. They are deeply scared. The first work after assuming had been against the media,” he said.

Solih underscored that a bill has been submitted to the parliament seeking to bring journalism under the government’s control as it marks one year in office today. He detailed that Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission incepted under the bill will have the power to suspend a media while they probe any issue, pending the end of the investigation. The former president described this as one of the most dangerous steps that can be taken in a democracy.

He expressed concern citing President Muizzu’s administration moving forward on lies and in contradiction to many of the pledges made. He said there is a possibility of the citizens having to face a difficult period if things were to continue this way.

As an example, he referenced the difficulties faced by fishermen at present. In this regard, he said fishermen are the most disadvantaged as the administration has failed to honor their pledge to maintain the fish purchasing rate at MVR 20 and above and disburse payments to fishermen within 48 hours. On the contrary, Solih said the fish purchasing rate has been decreased while there are fishermen who have not received payments for catches in two or three weeks.

He further said citizens are now also forced to beg for healthcare.

Solih said what is being witnessed since the day President Muizzu assumed office is a step away from the principles of democracy.

In this regard, he detailed that the outgoing administration’s president will serve as the head of state until the new president-elect is sworn in. He said it had been him in that position when President Muizzu became the presidential election. However, Solih recalled not having anyone to receive him when he arrived for President Muizzu’s inauguration and in this trajectory, blasted the lack of respect for someone who was a leader since day one.

“I am not saying this as a complaint or due to a personal grudge. But I did not see the respect that a leader should receive that day. From that point, I believe it to be alone a step away from the principles of democratic government, he said.

MDP has been a strong critique of the current administration and its policies.