Foreign Minister embarrasses Muizzu gov’t with vulgar repost on ‘X’

In yet another embarrassment for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel is facing backlash after reposting a vulgar anti-government post on social media platform ‘X’. The incident has sparked widespread public criticism, raising serious questions about the professionalism, judgment, and moral standards of one of the nation’s top diplomats.

Screenshots of the offensive repost began circulating on social media shortly after it was posted, with users condemning Khaleel’s behavior as irresponsible and unbecoming of a Cabinet Minister. While the repost has since been deleted, the damage to public perception appears to be lasting.

Many have pointed out that a Foreign Minister, tasked with representing the Maldives on the global stage, should uphold the highest standards of decorum and diplomacy, not engage in or amplify crude political attacks. Critics argue that Khaleel's actions reflect a pattern of impulsive, poorly considered online behavior that diminishes the credibility of the Foreign Ministry and undermines the country’s international image.

This is not the first time Dr. Khaleel has been caught in controversy over his social media activity. In a previous incident, while serving as Health Minister, he shared an edited version of the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) logo, falsely claiming the party’s full name was the “Maldives Dhogu (lying) Party”. That post, still visible online, was widely condemned at the time for its childish tone and lack of maturity, especially coming from a senior government official.

Hashtags accompanying that post mocked MDP and further inflamed political tensions. Members of the public responded with dismay, accusing the minister of degrading political discourse and reducing the dignity of his office. Many voiced concern that such behavior, far from being isolated, reflects a broader erosion of standards within the Muizzu administration.

Adding to the controversy, Khaleel’s public speaking abilities, especially in international forums such as the United Nations, have also drawn criticism. Observers argue that his frequent gaffes and poorly delivered speeches undermine the Maldives’ diplomatic reputation and question whether he is suited to the role of Foreign Minister at all.

In a political climate already charged by allegations of corruption, authoritarianism, and the misuse of state resources, this latest blunder by a senior cabinet member is likely to deepen public dissatisfaction. As social media continues to expose the unfiltered conduct of government officials, the Muizzu administration faces growing pressure to demonstrate accountability and restore public trust.