President Muizzu’s government policies are geared towards establishing a communist regime: Shamheed
Member of Parliament Dr. Ahmed Shamheed has criticized the government's increasing intervention in private business, labeling the attempt to centralize control over the economy as a "communist" approach. Highlighting that the new mandatory dollar conversion regulations obstruct free-market principles, he argued that such policies are practically unfeasible. Shamheed further warned that the consequences of the government tightening its grip on all sectors and restricting free trade opportunities would be detrimental to the nation's economy.
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumalé constituency, speaking during Raajje TV’s "Fala Surukhee" program. | Raajje MV
The economic and social policies of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration closely mirror those of a communist government, according to Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumalé constituency.
Speaking on Raajje TV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Dr. Shamheed stated that while the government has not explicitly said so, their current actions reflect a communist ideology aimed at consolidating total control. He noted that the government's encroachment into private enterprise—positioning itself to manage everything from local corner shops and taxi services to optical services—serves as clear evidence of this agenda.
Criticizing the newly formulated regulations on foreign currency exchange, Shamheed stated that while the Maldives previously maintained a free-market economy, the current legal mandate requiring all dollar earnings to be deposited with the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) is a matter of serious concern.
I have directly questioned the Governor regarding the dollar situation. While the idea of the government centralizing all foreign currency into the MMA to distribute to the public—rather than allowing exchange at market-determined rates—may look good on paper, it is simply not a practical reality in any country.Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumalé constituency.
Shamheed further stated that whenever the government acquires dollars, they are being spent on unnecessary expenditures. He alleged that although the government gave the public hope by promising to provide dollars, they were only able to sustain it for a short period, claiming that such practices are typical of countries with communist policies.
During the program, Shamheed warned that the consequences of the government tightening control over all sectors and restricting free trade opportunities would be bitter for the economy.
