This government wants to transform people into accepting a second blow after the first: Fayyaz

Former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration intends to push the public to a state of such extreme subservience that they are forced to offer the other cheek after being struck.

Speaking at an MDP rally held in Fuvahmulah City on Friday night, Fayyaz stated that efforts were made to overthrow the previous 30-year regime and improve the nation's condition. He noted that the "Green Constitution" was achieved through blood, sweat, and persistent protests. He further emphasized that these efforts established the people as the true rulers of the Maldives and ensured their rights were legally guaranteed.

However, following the 2023 presidential election, the country has undergone unprecedented changes, leaving the nation in a state of ruin.

Fayyaz stated that the current administration is systematically stripping citizens of their rights and has left the public in a state of vulnerability over the past two and a half years. He further asserted that the government is also plundering the financial independence and prosperity of the Maldivian people.

The benefits of local tourism, introduced by the MDP to foster prosperity for the residents of this city, are now being felt significantly across this island. The ban on shark fishing implemented during our first administration has transformed into a literal gold mine for this community today. However, what is the situation we see now? We are witnessing the re-authorization of shark fishing. There is no way this will not negatively impact this island. This is a deliberate move to destroy the income you have built through your own hard work. Similarly, we see a systematic effort to dismantle the self-sufficiency of the Maldivian people by recruiting every available boat captain into positions at FENAKA. This administration is working to stop Maldivians from engaging in the fishing industry. Any small or medium enterprise that exists is being crushed. President Muizzu’s sole economic policy appears to be the destruction of the economy while placing everyone on the government payroll. The purpose of this mass employment is crystal clear today: the noose of state-dependency is being tightened around the necks of the Maldivian people, day by day.

Former Chairperson of the MDP, Fayyaz Ismail

Highlighting that current circumstances have forced many Maldivians to rely on government employment, Fayyaz stated that this is a calculated move by President Muizzu to maintain power through coercion. He further remarked that the administration aims to push the public into a state of total submission, where they are forced to endure repeated hardships without the means to resist.

The current administration expects you to turn the other cheek when struck on one. This is a profound misconception. While President Muizzu may believe this will happen, it is not a principle the Maldivian people will accept. We are now at a critical juncture where we must decide which path to take. In 2023, we chose to move backward, and in 2024, we chose to move backward again, regardless of the reasons. Whether due to the government’s deception or our own internal grievances, I must say that the Maldivian people have let a great blessing slip away. As this administration approaches its two-and-a-half-year mark, there is not a single Maldivian citizen left who remains unaware of its lies, deceit, treachery, incompetence, and malice. Not a single citizen remains in the dark.

Former Chairperson of the MDP, Fayyaz Ismail

Furthermore, Fayyaz highlighted the upcoming elections during his remarks.

Fayyaz stated that there is no reason to vote for the "bird" in the local council elections, describing it as a symbol that enslaves and impoverishes the people. He also called on the public to reject the upcoming referendum, characterizing it as a move intended to further marginalize the citizens.