Just as fires used to break out whenever the public began discussing politics during the 30-year regime, similar fire incidents are occurring once again: Maaz
Maaz has characterized the government's proposed referendum to synchronize elections as a deceptive tactic aimed at unseating members of parliament. He further suggested that the recent string of fires in Male' are deliberate acts intended to divert public attention from political issues, and has consequently urged citizens to reject the government's proposal by voting "no" in the referendum.
Ahmed Saleem, a member of the MDP National Congress, speaks at the party's pickup rally. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem), a member of the MDP National Congress, has stated that just as fires used to break out across the country whenever the public began engaging in political discourse during the 30-year regime, similar incidents are occurring today. He emphasized that the public deserves to know the truth behind these events.
Speaking at an MDP pickup rally on Thursday, Maaz stated that the referendum scheduled to coincide with the local council elections is a treacherous attempt by the government to abolish parliamentary seats. He urged the public to reject the vote.
The situation has now escalated to a direct referendum being placed before the public. In reality, what is being proposed here is the vacating of all 93 seats in the People’s Majlis. However, the ballot paper presented to the citizens only mentions the synchronization of two elections. This is a profound level of deceit, dishonesty, and manipulation. This constitutional amendment would result in the immediate loss of seats for all 93 members of Parliament. Who has the authority to do this? This is an attempt to shorten the term of one Parliament while extending the term of another.Ahmed Saleem, Member of the MDP National Congress
Furthermore, Maaz addressed the recent string of fire incidents occurring across Male' City.
Maaz stated that during the 30-year regime, whenever citizens began engaging in political discourse, fires would break out in various locations. He noted that those currently in power belong to that same school of thought. He further asserted that these incidents are orchestrated to divert public attention whenever the people begin to involve themselves in political activities.
However, he stated that the situation has now changed, and that the public is well aware of the implications of this referendum being conducted by the government ahead of the local council elections.
During the 30-year administration of the past, whenever the public began to rise up and engage in political discourse, fires would break out in various locations. This was a recurring pattern back then; incidents of arson would occur across different areas. That was how things operated at the time. Therefore, those currently in power—who belong to that same school of thought—know exactly how to divert public focus, and that is precisely what they are doing now. Consequently, it is very clear to us that what has been presented to the public is a law specifically designed to strip the 93 members of the People's Majlis of their seats.Ahmed Saleem, Member of the MDP National Congress
Maaz made these remarks following a major fire on March 18, 2026, which destroyed a warehouse near the Galolhu Mortuary in Male'. On the night of the same day, another fire broke out at a warehouse storing fertilizers and chemicals at the junction of Izzudheen Magu and Fulooniya Magu, resulting in extensive property damage. Police have since launched a special investigation into the incident.
