Maldives has reached a state where individuals face imprisonment for speaking out as USD exchange rate climbs above MVR 23: Mauroof
27 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 09:30Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir, has stated that public confidence in the People's Majlis is eroding due to the legislature acting as a "rubber stamp" for government decisions. Speaking at an MDP press conference, Zakir alleged that the government is rushing bills through Parliament without considering public concerns. He further noted that while the living standards of ordinary citizens continue to decline, the Majlis is failing to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities by ignoring the actual needs of the people.
Mauroof Zakir, Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency. | Raajje MV
The Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir, has stated that the country's situation has deteriorated to the point where individuals face imprisonment for speaking out about the US Dollar exchange rate rising above 23 Rufiyaa.
Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP Parliamentary Group, Mauroof emphasized that maintaining public confidence in Parliament is of utmost importance. However, he noted that the manner in which the institution is currently making decisions is leading to a decline in public trust.
Expressing significant concerns over the general conduct of the Parliament, Mauroof noted that the public believes members are failing to deliver the results expected of them. He further highlighted that this dissatisfaction has led to various petitions being submitted by citizens.
Mauroof stated that the Parliament is currently being seen as a mere rubber stamp for every proposal sent by the government. He noted that bills favored by the administration are now being rushed through to completion.
Against this backdrop, Mauroof stated that the general living conditions of the public are deteriorating day by day. He further noted that while the exchange rate for the dollar has climbed above 23 Rufiyaa, the country's situation has reached a point where individuals face imprisonment simply for speaking out about it.
Furthermore, Mauroof stated that the MDP parliamentary group has significant concerns regarding several recently enacted laws.
The current parliamentary majority is held by the government-aligned People's National Congress (PNC). It has been noted that bills proposed by the administration are being passed through the People's Majlis without significant debate or disagreement. Opposition parties have expressed concern over this development.
The MDP Parliamentary Group stated that the Parliament is failing to fulfill its responsibilities in a manner that addresses the needs of the public, leading to a decline in public trust in the institution.
