This is a government of empty rhetoric; it will fail to provide any meaningful services to the people: Shathir

MDP National Congress member Shathir Abdul Rahman has criticized President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, labeling it a government of empty rhetoric that is incapable of providing meaningful services to the public.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Shathir stated that the quality of life for citizens has deteriorated under President Muizzu’s administration, further asserting that the country has been driven into a state of regression.

Characterizing the current administration as one that relies solely on rhetoric, Shathir stated that the government is being run through empty words, even as it claims to be providing seamless essential services to the public. Referring to the Aasandha national health insurance scheme, he noted that the government came to power with promises to expand the service and ensure its availability for Maldivians in numerous countries abroad.

However, Shathir stated that under the current administration, Maldivians are no longer able to access Aasandha healthcare services within the Maldives.

There is no action, only rhetoric. As you are aware, senior government officials are merely paying lip service regarding Aasandha, claiming they will expand the scheme globally. They promised that Aasandha would be available in cities like Bangkok and Dubai. Yet, the very people who made those promises are now struggling to provide Aasandha services even within the Maldives.

Shathir Abdul Rahman.

Shathir stated that during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, healthcare services were accessible to all Maldivians through an equitable system, ensuring that citizens did not have to appeal to politicians for assistance. However, he noted that people are now forced to seek help from PNC officials if they require medical treatment abroad.

Furthermore, Shathir stated that President Muizzu did not assume office with the intention of providing quality service to the public, asserting that this is evident from his three presidential addresses. He noted that the President’s remarks regarding the Aasandha healthcare scheme in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 presidential statements have been inconsistent, presenting three different approaches.

Shatir stated that the country's trajectory will not improve under the current administration and emphasized the necessity of working towards a change in leadership.