Foreign aid has ceased since this administration took office; this is a government that is incompetent in every aspect: MP Nazil

Ibrahim Nazil, the Member of Parliament for South Hithadhoo and Leader of the MDP Parliamentary Group, has criticized President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, stating that foreign aid has ceased since the new government took office. He further characterized the administration as incompetent across all sectors.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, MP Nazil leveled heavy criticism against President Muizzu’s administration.

Referring to the current administration's foreign policy, MP Nazil stated that while significant expenditures were made during the early days of the government to participate in various international economic forums, no tangible results have been seen to date.

He noted that while foreign aid had been received in the past, this administration has yet to secure any such assistance. Furthermore, he stated that foreign support is absent from the 2024 budget and remains missing in the projections through the 2026 budget.

Furthermore, MP Nazil stated that even in the absence of foreign aid, the government has failed to utilize public funds to provide any form of relief to the citizens. He emphasized that these are not the PNC's funds, asserting that the public treasury must be used specifically to ease the lives of the people.

This is by no means the money of the government or PNC officials. This money is being drawn from the Maldivian state treasury; it is the Maldivian people's tax money. This funding is being allocated to ensure that the public's needs are met and that services are properly delivered. It is entrusted to the government leaders elected by the people. Public concern is mounting because these officials are failing to deliver those services to the citizens. Furthermore, the budget is not receiving the necessary international support because the current foreign policy is inadequate. There is a lack of sound diplomatic relations with major nations. This includes China and India, as well as Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which have historically been the primary providers of aid.

Ibrahim Nazil, the Member of Parliament for the South Hithadhoo constituency and the Leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Parliamentary Group.

Furthermore, MP Nazil stated that President Muizzu tends to act according to his own personal preferences. He noted that despite discussions held within the Cabinet, information suggests that matters do not proceed in accordance with those deliberations.

MP Nazil stated that the policy requiring resorts to exchange dollars was implemented solely at the personal discretion of President Muizzu. He further noted that, as a consequence, the public is now forced to acquire dollars at a rate of 21 Rufiyaa.

Evidence of this can be seen in the swift conclusion of discussions regarding the mandatory conversion of resort foreign currency earnings. At the time, if I recall correctly, the rate was set at 20 percent. Discussions were being held between resort owners, operators, and the government, directly at the presidential level. These talks focused on those specific percentages and were followed by further deliberation and consultation.

Ibrahim Nazil, the Member of Parliament for the Hithadhoo South constituency and the Leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Parliamentary Group.

MP Nazil stated that the public has not seen any benefits or ease under President Muizzu's administration. He further characterized the government as being incompetent in all aspects.