We will not allow the affairs of Kulhudhuffushi to be dictated by the whims of an individual issuing orders from a room in Male', says Mayor Athif
Mayor Mohamed Athif stated that the development of Kulhudhuffushi will be shaped according to the vision of its residents, asserting that the current administration's centralization policies will not be tolerated. Emphasizing that only the MDP understands how to effectively manage a decentralized system, he characterized the government's spending on political appointments as a deliberate attempt to subjugate the people.
Mohamed Athif, Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi City | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Kulhudhuffushi City Mayor Mohamed Athif has stated that he will not allow the city's affairs to be dictated by orders issued from Male', asserting that the residents of Kulhudhuffushi will deliver a resounding message to the government in the upcoming election.
Athif made these remarks while speaking at a ceremony held to launch the opposition's campaign for the upcoming Local Council Elections and Women's Development Committee elections.
Mayor Athif stated that the current administration's objective is to foster a culture of dependency and subjugation, forcing islands to operate solely according to the government's dictates. However, he asserted that he would not allow the affairs of Kulhudhuffushi to be shaped by the orders of someone issuing commands from a room in Male', adding that the people of Kulhudhuffushi will deliver a resounding response this time.
The Mayor stated that the decisions regarding the affairs of Kulhudhuffushi will be made by its residents. He emphasized that these decisions will align with the people's wishes and their collective vision.
By paying 25,000 Rufiyaa monthly to each Special Political Director (SPD), the government spends 1.5 million Rufiyaa per person over a five-year term. Imagine the impact if that 1.5 million Rufiyaa had been given to these young people with the instruction to build a guesthouse instead. It is certain that the nation's productivity would have increased. This is a deliberate strategy; they know exactly what they are doing. The objective is to force citizens to beg the government, to keep them subservient, and to ensure that islands operate solely according to the government's whims. We refuse to allow the affairs of Kulhudhuffushi to be dictated by the orders of a single individual sitting in a room in Male'. We will not stand for it, and this time, the people of Kulhudhuffushi will deliver a resounding and decisive response.Mohamed Athif, Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi City
Mayor Athif stated that this election serves as a crucial gauge of the current administration's popularity among the public. He characterized the vote as a direct contest between President Muizzu’s government and the people, asserting that the true competition lies between the administration and the citizenry. He further expressed confidence that, by the grace of God, the people would secure victory across all 14 seats in Kulhudhuffushi.
There is only one true political party in this country. Indeed, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) stands alone. I say this because there is no other party in the Maldives that contests or wins elections by presenting clear policies and visions to the people. Rest assured, we will deliver. Our party, the MDP, has the policies. It was this party that recognized the indignity of citizens having to beg for basic necessities. It was this party that understood the struggle of begging for medical treatment. It was this party that realized the people were being held captive within their own islands. It was this party that identified the need for social protection for our senior citizens, single mothers, and persons with disabilities. It was this party that saw the children of underprivileged couples being deprived of their potential. And it was this party that understood that people deserve a dignified life, regardless of which island they live on.Mohamed Athif, Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi City
Speaking on the decentralization system, Athif stated that the concept originated from the MDP and asserted that only the party's candidates possess the expertise to effectively manage such a system. However, he noted that the current administration appears to be moving toward centralizing the country's population. Athif further remarked that the development of the reclaimed island known as Ras Male', with its planned 65,000 housing units, would lead to mass centralization. He warned that such a project would necessitate the relocation of approximately 300,000 people—a significant portion of the nation's population—to that single location.
Approximately 300,000 people will need to travel to that island. In this country, every political party except ours operates solely with a centralized mindset. During our Maldivian Democratic Party’s previous administration, we initiated the work to open the economic gateway in the north, which stands completed today. However, those who came to power by mistake have failed to realize how to utilize that airport, even after two years in office.Mohamed Athif, Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi City
Furthermore, referring to the MDP administration's efforts to establish an economic gateway in the north, Athif stated that the current government lacks the vision to effectively utilize Hanimaadhoo International Airport. He further alleged that the administration is appointing individuals to political positions (SPDs) with exorbitant salaries as a tactic to force citizens into state dependency and subjugation. He noted that if those funds were instead allocated to empower youth to develop guesthouses, it would significantly boost the nation's productivity.
