Expecting constant applause for doing the bare minimum?

It is astonishing to see the government throw extravagant ceremonies and flashy celebrations just to mark the expansion and asphalt paving of the Malé Ring Road, rolling it out as if they handed the public some grand gift.

Considering these projects are paid for right out of the state budget using the public's tax dollars, and represent the most basic duty of any sitting administration, a serious question has to be asked: do we really need to heap lavish praise on them for simply doing routine development work?

Looking back at where this project actually started, the widening and paving of the Malé Ring Road got underway under former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s government.

Back then, the construction finished on the southern and eastern stretches all the way to the ferry terminal, which gave massive traffic relief to a road that used to be narrow and heavily congested.

After that phase, construction moved along toward the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL). What the incumbent administration has done is build and pave a 700-meter segment stretching from the Henveiru Ferry Terminal over to the Official Jetty.

Credit ought to be handed out where it has been earned.

Yes, it is a helpful upgrade that brings solid convenience to everyday citizens. However, the current leadership keeps insisting that if the public is fast to complain when tasks go unfinished, people ought to be just as ready to offer up deep gratitude when a project gets wrapped up.

Still, the fundamental issue persists: what are we supposed to be thanking them for, exactly?

Government loyalists claim that these developments demand a personal thank-you to the president, but isn't making life easier for citizens literally the core job a leader signs up for the moment they step into power?

Past governments have cycled in and out, with every single one leaving behind real contributions to the country's growth. Each era delivered its own list of major upgrades, ranging from securing basic human rights to making a simple stroll down the street easier. Under former President Yameen, Malé and Hulhumalé were linked together by a massive bridge; former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s time in office rolled out the Free Degree program, saw the development of Ameenee Magu, the commencement of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project or the Thilamalé Bridge project, the commencement of water and sewerage projects of over 60 islands, numerous housing projects in the suburbs, the commencement of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport redevelopment, the continuation of the Gan International Airport expansion, as well as extensive road paving and harbor development projects across inhabited islands. Former President Mohamed Nasheed’s government kicked off the monthly allowance for seniors over 65, distributed stationery kits to students, and launched the Aasandha healthcare system.

Go back further to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s era, and you find the creation of Atoll Education Centers alongside schools built across every single atoll, many constructed with funding from Japan.

Even earlier than that, former President Ibrahim Nasir’s time saw the introduction of mechanized boat engines and the birth of the tourism industry, while former President Maumoon later directed the building of the iconic Islamic Centre in Malé.

Funded by your wallet, not his personal savings

When supporters demand that the president receive constant thanks and praise for delivering basic public amenities, everyone needs to keep in mind that these jobs are not being paid for out of President Muizzu’s personal checking account or his private paycheck.

Every single one of these projects relies entirely on taxpayer U.S. Dollars. On top of that, the president’s actual salary comes straight out of public funds.

Beyond that paycheck, the nation's treasury pays for his housing, his meals, his medical care, his security team, and every single expense racked up by his entire family.

Even long after he steps down from office, he will continue to draw huge financial benefits and allowances, all bankrolled by the public.

Doing the job you were hired to do

So, when someone assumes power after making endless campaign promises to serve the population, there is zero reason to throw nonstop celebrations with endless fireworks and continuous clapping for every basic task they complete.

Should anyone really be surprised when a leader whose lavish lifestyle is entirely funded by taxpayers, delivers services for those taxpayers?

To put it into perspective, does a wife shower her husband with daily praise simply because he brings home basic provisions? Does she utter a heartfelt thank-you every single time he buys a kilogram of rice? Of course not, because he is merely carrying out his fundamental obligation.

Leaders are placed in power to serve the public; the public does not exist to serve those leaders.

Because of this, there is no valid reason to hire foreign citizens to film glossy promotional videos.

Neither is there any reason to put national security at risk by publishing photos and footage of the freshly paved outlying road, Boduthakurufaanu Magu that blatantly reveal the inner layout of the military headquarters at Bandaara Koshi just to score cheap publicity.

To put it in modern slang, everything President Muizzu has delivered up to this point is literally just the bare minimum.