Ban on mentioning a specific type of furniture in Maldives has become a global headline: Didi
Former MDP President Dr. Ibrahim Didi has strongly criticized the current administration, accusing the government of restricting press freedom and taking punitive actions against journalists. He further alleged that President Muizzu has violated his pledge not to dismiss any civil servants, noting that a significant number of employees are being terminated from their positions. Dr. Didi emphasized that such actions are tarnishing the Maldives' international reputation and making the country a target of ridicule on the global stage.
Former MDP President Dr. Ibrahim Didi speaking during an appearance on Raajje TV’s "Fala Surukhee" program. | Raajje MV
Former President of the MDP, Dr. Ibrahim Didi, has stated that news of the Maldives effectively banning the mention of a specific type of furniture has spread globally, subjecting the country to international ridicule.
Speaking on Raajje TV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Didi stated that Maldivians traveling abroad are now facing ridicule and mockery regarding the current situation in the country. He noted it was deeply regrettable that the international community has become aware of reports suggesting that even mentioning the name of a specific type of furniture has effectively been banned in the Maldives.
When we travel abroad now, people mock us and make jokes at our expense. It is truly disheartening. The news that the Maldives has reached a point where even mentioning the name of a specific type of furniture is effectively banned has now spread across the globe.Former President of the MDP, Dr. Ibrahim Didi
Criticizing the current administration's efforts to restrict press freedom, Didi stated that President Muizzu’s intention is to place a "heavy padlock" on the media. He alleged that the government is pushing to pass a restrictive media bill and cited instances where journalists were restrained and removed while questioning officials on live television, subsequently being branded as criminals and imprisoned. Didi warned that such actions would tarnish the Maldives' reputation within the international community and shift global perceptions of the country.
Furthermore, Didi noted that despite President Muizzu pledging nearly two hundred times during his campaign that no employee would be dismissed, the current reality reflects a trend of mass layoffs.
During his campaign, President Muizzu repeatedly pledged—perhaps as many as two hundred times, according to available statistics—that no employee would be dismissed from any state-owned enterprise or political position. Historical records clearly show him making this explicit commitment across various platforms on numerous occasions. However, what we are witnessing today is the exact opposite: mass dismissals are taking place. We are seeing large-scale transfers and systematic disciplinary actions being taken against employees across the board.Former President of the MDP, Dr. Ibrahim Didi
Responding to a question from a RaajjeTV journalist during a press conference at the President's Office, Didi countered the President's earlier assertion that employees would only be dismissed for damaging corporate assets. He argued that those currently being terminated have no criminal records or history of property damage, stating that the public will no longer believe the President's claims.
Didi further stated that such actions by the government would draw international condemnation toward the Maldives, leading to adverse consequences for the entire nation.
