Independent institutions have been turned into entities operating out of PNC party hubs: Maaz Saleem

MDP National Congress member Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem) has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration has amended laws to transform the country’s independent institutions into entities operating as extensions of the ruling PNC’s political hubs.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Saleem stated that it is unsurprising to hear Ibrahim Falah, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC), suggest that political activities should be halted and that heads of independent institutions should resign if they fail to oversee such matters. He alleged that this is because all independent institutions have already been transformed into extensions of the PNC’s campaign hubs through various legislative amendments.

"We are not particularly concerned or worried," Falah stated, asserting that the activities of political parties must be halted and that independent institutions must investigate these matters. He further noted that if these institutions fail to conduct such oversight, their officials should resign. I say this because all these independent institutions have been restructured through legislative changes. The laws have been amended where possible, effectively turning these bodies into entities operated from within the PNC's own party hubs.

Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem), a member of the MDP National Congress.

Saleem further stated that while the primary objective of political parties is to hold the government accountable, the administration is currently working towards dissolving and shutting them down. He also noted that the government is withholding funds legally owed to several political parties.

Saleem has launched a scathing critique against the PNC Parliamentary Group Leader, Ibrahim Falah. Saleem stated that he views Falah as a "parasite" within the PNC, accusing him of mocking and harassing the citizens of Male' and the rest of the country, particularly regarding the sensitive issue of housing. Saleem further asserted that the overwhelming 70 percent "no" vote against the government in the recent referendum was a direct result of the public's reaction to the ridicule and harassment directed at them by individuals like Falah.

I believe President Muizzu was not truly aware of Falah’s character when he was included in the parliamentary group. In reality, we view him as a disruptive influence planted within the People’s National Congress and the Parliament. I say this because of the sheer extent to which he mocked the residents of Male' and citizens across the country. He ridiculed them with various remarks, particularly regarding the housing crisis. He openly mocked and harassed people over their desperate living conditions. It is because of such behavior that 70 percent of the Maldivian electorate voted against the government this time.

Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem), a member of the MDP National Congress.

Furthermore, he noted that political parties are highlighting government corruption and incompetence. He emphasized that exerting influence over independent institutions to suppress these issues is a practice fundamentally at odds with democratic principles.

These remarks come at a time when Ibrahim Falah, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), has issued a warning stating that the leadership of the Elections Commission must resign if they fail to take action against street activities organized by the opposition. Falah made these comments during a debate on a resolution submitted to Parliament by Holhudhoo MP Abdul Sattar Mohamed. The resolution calls for measures to stop opposition protests in Male', characterizing them as unlawful activities.