Selective memory: Pres. blames security for move to a residence he spent millions fixing
Muizzu recently claimed he moved to the official residence of Mulee'aage only due to security pressure despite preferring his private home. However, public records reveal the state spent MVR 3.6 million on extensive renovations to the palace during his first months in office. Critics argue the president is misrepresenting the facts to create a relatable persona while hiding the significant use of public funds for his living quarters.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu recently claimed he moved to the official residence of Mulee'aage (L) only due to security pressure despite preferring his private home Dhimyaath (R). | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is working overtime to convince the youth that he’s just one of them; down-to-earth, present and totally relatable. This "man of the people" persona was front and center during the televised "Espresso with President" program, where he fielded questions from the younger generation. However, as usual, when the president speaks, the facts seem to get a little blurry.
The "security" sob story
When the presenter popped the question “Mulee’aage or Dhimyaath?”, the president did not hesitate. He claimed his heart has always been at his private home, M. Dhimyaath. According to him, he spent the first quarter of his term there because he simply didn't want to leave. He painted his eventual move to the official residence as a reluctant surrender to the "pressure" of security forces who complained about the logistics of guarding him at home.
We used to go there and stay overnight occasionally because we missed home. However, due to the nature of my responsibilities, I had to reside at Mulee’aage. I tried to stay at Dhimyaath for about the first three months. But the security personnel raised concerns. After much discussion on the matter, I eventually moved. But, Dhimyaath is definitely the preference."Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Maldives' president.
The receipts don't lie
It’s a touching story, but there’s a MVR 3.6 million hole in it. Records previously released by the President’s Office tell a much less reluctant tale. The real reason Muizzu stayed at Dhimyaath for those three months wasn't a humble preference or security nagging, it was because Mulee’aage was undergoing massive renovations.
The state dropped approximately MVR 3.6 million to fix up the official presidential residence and the President’s Office confirmed at the time that the First Couple would move in the second the paint was dry.
A political fabrication?
Now, nearly a year after the state budget was drained to renovate his palace, the president is rebranding his move as a forced sacrifice. It’s a bold move to distort the truth for political points when the public record is right there for everyone to see.
Hiding a multimillion-Rufiyaa renovation behind the excuse of "security pressure" isn't exactly the hallmark of a responsible leader. When you use public funds to upgrade your living quarters and then claim you were forced to move in, it doesn't just look like a contradiction, it looks like a major political fabrication.
