Cabinet reshuffle was like laying a foundation stone in the islands; only the outer banner was changed: Ziyad

Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad has characterized the recent cabinet reshuffle as lacking sincere intent, likening the move to merely changing the decorative fabric wrapped around a ceremonial foundation stone at a project site.

Ziyad made these remarks while speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program.

Ziyad stated that despite the changes to the cabinet, the government's core policies remain unchanged. He remarked that much like the practice of laying foundation stones in islands, simply changing the exterior facade might make things appear better from a distance, but the internal reality remains exactly the same. Furthermore, Ziyad claimed that even with these changes, if a referendum were held tomorrow, the proportion of people voting against the government would reach 80 percent.

Reflecting on the results of the recent local council by-elections, Ziyad noted that while council elections are typically influenced by family ties and personal friendships, this outcome clearly demonstrates the public saying "no" to the government. He highlighted that despite the opposition starting the race trailing behind 60 seats, they managed to close the gap and secure a strong result.

In this day and age, we no longer see the simple ceremonial stakes being driven into the ground as we did in the past. Now, massive trenches are dug and grand foundation stones are laid. In some islands, a single minister has laid three or even four foundation stones for the same project. The public sees this, and it was with a full understanding of the situation that they voiced their rejection. It was not that the people were unwilling to accept the constitutional amendments or the dissolution of atoll councils; rather, they felt they had no voice in the process. There was no representative in Parliament truly speaking for the people, so that message could not be conveyed through their elected members. The public opposed the changes to the Constitution and the Decentralization Act, yet they were never given the opportunity to voice that opposition. While the people remained in this state, they were told that in the fifth year, a ballot paper bearing their names would arrive. However, the resounding "no" that was meant for that ballot has arrived two and a half years early.

Hussain Ziyad, Member of Parliament for the Vaikaradhoo constituency.

Criticizing the President's actions, Ziyad stated that the President is not a leader who seeks consultation or consensus. He further alleged that the President is attempting to undermine the powers of Parliament and use legal frameworks to subjugate the institution in a deliberate move to stifle dialogue. Furthermore, Ziyad noted that despite the President's earlier pledges not to grant jobs for political gain ahead of elections, the reality on the ground suggests a completely different story.

Speaking on the condition of state-owned enterprises, Ziyad stated that there is significant resentment among staff at companies like MACL regarding the high salaries paid to political appointees who perform no actual work. He noted that the disparity between the tireless efforts of dedicated employees and the inflated paychecks of these political figures is a major grievance. He further highlighted that when employees who report for duty at 4:00 a.m. earn less than those who do not even show up to the office, it gives the public a clear reason to reject the government.

Ziyad further stated that the opportunity for the public to voice their concerns to the government regarding amendments to the Constitution and the Decentralization Act has been lost through the Parliament. Consequently, he noted that citizens are now eager to hold the government accountable at the polls. He added that the current results represent the resounding "no" the public had intended to deliver to the government two and a half years ago.