If leaders do not go directly to the people, there is nothing for citizens to gain from government: Maaz Saleem
6 މާރިޗު 2026 | ހުކުރު 23:27MDP National Congress member Ahmed Saleem stated that if leaders fail to work closely with the people, democratic principles will be undermined, leading to significant obstacles in the delivery of basic services and the progress of development projects.
Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem), a member of the MDP National Congress, speaks at an MDP event. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
MDP National Congress member Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem) has stated that if leaders do not engage directly with the people, citizens will fail to receive any benefits from the government.
He made these remarks while speaking at an event organized by the MDP on Friday afternoon.
He stated that a system where leaders do not engage directly with the people is alien to the principles of democracy. Saleem noted that essential services—ranging from Aasandha healthcare and school supplies to local island development—are only maintained because leaders are compelled to fulfill these needs to secure the public's vote. He further alleged that the current administration is systematically curtailing the powers of the people and criticized the lack of efficiency in the delivery of public services.
"Numerous such amendments are being proposed, including those concerning land allocation. A great deal of deception is involved in these processes. Relinquishing these powers would represent a significant regression," Saleem stated.
Saleem further asserted that if the government is not held accountable to the people, it will act with total impunity. Describing the current administration as a cruel and authoritarian regime, he stated that stripping away the powers of the decentralized system represents the final step in consolidating all authority within the government's grasp.
