This is a government devoid of new ideas, fresh perspectives, or innovative thinking: Rasheed

Former Member of Parliament for the Central Maafannu constituency, Ibrahim Rasheed (Bonda), has criticized President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, describing it as a government lacking innovation, fresh perspectives, or a new direction.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" programme, Rasheed heavily criticized the current administration, accusing it of taking credit for projects initiated by previous governments and private companies. Specifically, Rasheed noted that efforts to bring PayPal to the Maldives began in 2022, yet the current government is now claiming credit for the progress made on that initiative.

Furthermore, he stated that the living conditions of the people have significantly deteriorated, noting that even essential medicines are currently unavailable. Rasheed highlighted that the primary cause for these issues is the government's failure to settle outstanding payments owed to private companies.

The reality of the situation is that the government's manifesto promised the importation of high-quality pharmaceuticals from Europe and Dubai. However, three years into their term, the administration has failed to source any medication from these regions. Initially, the government imported medicine through a Bangladeshi supplier, but that arrangement collapsed due to non-payment. Subsequently, they sourced supplies from an Indian company, but that too was halted because the government failed to settle its debts. Now, facing public outcry, the government claims they are finally bringing in superior medicine from Europe. They are labeling the current situation a "medical mafia" and insisting they must find an alternative. Meanwhile, they owe millions in outstanding payments to optical service providers. Some major pharmacies are owed between 300 million and 400 million Rufiyaa, with total debts to large suppliers reaching into the billions.

Ibrahim Rasheed, the former Member of Parliament for the Central Maafannu constituency.

Rasheed stated that the current administration owes billions to private companies and has now begun encroaching on private business sectors. Highlighting the eyewear industry as an example, he noted that the government still owes outstanding payments to numerous companies within this field. Furthermore, Rasheed alleged that the government's actions have driven several pharmacies into bankruptcy.

Highlighting that STO was specifically established to import essential medicines, Rasheed stated that the company’s current failure to fulfill this mandate stems from its inability to settle outstanding payments with suppliers. He noted that the burden of these failures ultimately falls on the citizens, adding that the government has taken no action to alleviate the public's hardships. He further remarked that the government's sole focus has been traveling to various islands in an attempt to secure votes, though he asserted that even these efforts have yielded no meaningful results.