Damage control and the art of the political band-aid

The current leadership climbed the ladder to the summit of power by parading an empty seat, carefully decorated with the portrait and name of the former leader, Abdulla Yameen. Back then, the rhetoric painted him as the ultimate authority, a figure without equal. Yet, the second the keys to the office were handed over, he was promptly shoved into the shadows and left behind. This isn't just a theory; it is a blatant reality that every person in Maldives is well aware of.

From gold to garbage

The motives behind Yameen’s current stance against the administration aren't exactly a mystery. In the wake of his marginalization, the government pivoted to a campaign of blatant mockery. The man they once treated as "gold" was suddenly discarded like "scum," as those in power began to view him with nothing but contempt. However, this dismissive attitude backfired, creating a political mess that has finally forced the government into a desperate scramble to manage the fallout.

Orders from the top

Under the explicit direction and wisdom of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, officials are now attempting a clumsy rewrite of history. They are busy applying "bandages" to the very bruises they caused, trying to soothe the wounds they inflicted themselves. It is obvious that such a synchronized pivot does not happen by accident; it requires specific orders. Whispers are already spreading about a mandate issued directly from the presidential palace, commanding subordinates to use flattery as a tool for damage control regarding Yameen.

Specialist in flattery

The administration found the perfect candidate for this job in Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed. Minister Saeed possesses a talent for sycophancy that is legendary among the public. After all, this is the same man who once famously likened Yameen to a "red rose." Given that track record, there is likely nobody better suited to lead this charm offensive.

A workshop in absurdity

During a recent media briefing, Saeed made the staggering claim that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is actually the person who holds the most love and concern for Yameen. It was a statement so jarring it required multiple listens just to confirm that was indeed what he said. But make no mistake, that was the narrative. It confirms the game plan: the administration has shifted to a strategy of excessive praise, clearly dictated from above to patch up their political image.

Bridging the gap with words

When pressed, Minister Saeed insisted that Yameen deserves the most credit for the Sinamalé Bridge and maintained that the administration holds him in high regard. He doubled down, claiming that Muizzu cares for Yameen above all others and desires nothing more than to be at his side, harboring zero bitterness or ill will. Saeed even took a swipe at the people currently around Yameen, labeling their behavior as shameful and suggesting that Yameen himself would reject the things they are saying.

Smothering the fire

One has to ask if Saeed is speaking for himself or if he is simply reading a script. As the old saying suggests, the deeper one probes, the more unpleasant the reality becomes. The "sitting room" gatherings and the modest street demonstrations by Yameen’s loyalists which are events the government tries to brush off, are clearly rattling the administration more than they care to admit. The current fix is to use high-level orders of flattery to stifle the bleeding. Yet, the real question stays the same: can a bandage actually heal a wound, or is it just hiding the damage?