PNC activists harass and attempt to assault Vice President of Muraidhoo Island Council while he was livestreaming arrival of new genset to the island

Activists from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) have harassed and attempted to assault Abdul Kareem Ali, the Vice President of the HA. Muraidhoo Island Council, while he was livestreaming the arrival of a new generator set to the island.

On Saturday, Fenaka Corporation transported a new 250 kW generator set to Muraidhoo, stating the move was intended to upgrade the island's electricity services. Efforts to unload the equipment were underway throughout the day. The Vice President of the island council, Abdul Kareem, livestreamed the operation on social media. During the broadcast, an activist wearing a PNC T-shirt was seen attempting to obstruct the filming.

He provided a detailed account of how the incident unfolded during an appearance on the "Fashaairu" program on Sunday.

Abdul Kareem stated that efforts to resolve the island's electricity issues have been ongoing for over two years, asserting that this was not an achievement of the PPM-PNC coalition. He further noted that extensive work has been carried out in recent days to seek updates on the new generator set, which President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had pledged to deliver before the start of Ramadan 2024.

He noted that PNC officials had been questioned and pressure was being applied to the constituency's Member of Parliament, Ibrahim Shujau. He further stated that concerns were being raised on social media every time a power outage occurred. He added that due to these efforts, PNC supporters had mocked them, claiming that the arrival of the new generator set would not be disclosed and that they would not have the courage to broadcast the event live.

However, Abdul Kareem stated that while livestreaming the unloading of the new generator set on Saturday, he was subjected to severe harassment from PNC supporters, who he claims also attempted to assault him.

Furthermore, Abdul Kareem stated that the generator set was acquired specifically to coincide with the upcoming local council elections, suggesting it would not have been obtained otherwise. He noted that while public needs are often met during election periods, he urged citizens to vote "no" in the upcoming referendum.

While I was speaking, the political appointee in charge of the Ha. Muraidhoo Health Center approached me. When I mentioned the work I had done in this regard, he confronted me, demanding to know what work I was referring to, and then struck me in the face with his phone. He grabbed the phone, and you can clearly see the video pause during the live stream. It hit me right in the face; his hand also made contact with my face. I have received indirect information that the individual who first confronted me went to the police to file a case against me for filming him. However, it appears he later realized he could not proceed with the matter. The video shows him threatening me, and upon realizing this, he has now stated that he no longer wishes to pursue the case.

Abdul Kareem Ali, Vice President of the HA. Muraidhoo Island Council.

Abdul Kareem stated that while a new 400-kilowatt generator was initially promised for the island, the unit actually delivered was only 250 kilowatts. He further alleged that the government’s primary objective was merely to bring a generator to the island ahead of the elections, rather than providing a permanent solution to the ongoing electricity issues.