Government MPs who criticize the administration are being threatened and pressured to ensure they do not speak out a second time: MP Nazil

Ibrahim Nazil, the Member of Parliament for South Hithadhoo, has alleged that the government is intimidating People's National Congress (PNC) lawmakers who criticize President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration. He stated that the government is exerting such significant pressure on these members that they are effectively silenced from speaking out a second time.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, MP Nazil expressed deep concern regarding the current economic situation and the increasing hardships facing the public.

Highlighting that fluctuations in global oil prices are destabilizing the world economy, MP Nazil stated that while electricity bills and food prices continue to rise in the Maldives, there has been no corresponding increase in the income of the citizens.

MP Nazil stated that it is the responsibility of Members of Parliament to speak out on such matters while serving as a responsible opposition. However, he noted that MPs from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) lack the opportunity to speak truthfully in Parliament regarding the rights and actual conditions of the citizens.

Reflecting on recent events, Nazil stated that an attempt was made to silence a member who spoke out regarding the management and recruitment policies of the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) by removing them from their assigned committee. MP Nazil further noted that even in cases where employees are unfairly dismissed, there is currently no opportunity to speak out in defense of the citizens' rights.

Even though their members in the People's Majlis are eager to voice their opinions today, they are being denied the opportunity to speak. They are being silenced. The moment they attempt to say anything, they are immediately shut down.

Ibrahim Nazil

Furthermore, MP Nazil stated that the government frequently intimidates members who criticize its policies, exerting pressure to ensure such dissent is not repeated. He also questioned whether government-aligned members are restricted to merely praising the administration at a time when public grievances are increasingly being brought before the Parliament.

He stated that members of parliament must have the freedom to speak on behalf of the people, and that silencing them through government influence is unacceptable.

Nazil therefore called upon all citizens to take a stand against the government and make their voices heard.