This government is doing a great many things, and it is called theft: Shahid

Former President of the MDP, Abdulla Shahid, has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is engaging in numerous activities, all of which he characterized as theft.

Speaking at the "Shahid 2028" rally held in Kulhudhuffushi City on Saturday night, Shahid highlighted the country's deteriorating state, noting that the economy has collapsed and the public is facing immense hardship.

Shahid stated that he is well aware of the current state of the country's healthcare system, the decline in tourism, and the deteriorating living standards of the general public. He further noted that this somber reality can only be changed by a government that recognizes there are alternatives to projects like Ras Malé and underwater glass tunnels. Shahid asserted that his administration would be the one to provide those alternatives.

Shahid stated that the Hanimaadhoo International Airport was a vision meticulously planned and designed during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, while he served as Foreign Minister. He emphasized that it was the MDP government that secured the necessary funding and organized the project's execution; however, he remarked that this grand vision has now come to a standstill under the current administration. Furthermore, Shahid noted that the airport has become so inactive that not even a migratory bird, which typically visits the region seasonally, lands there anymore.

This administration is indeed active. They are accomplishing a great deal, and they are doing so in a highly organized manner. That activity is called theft. They are even competing to see who can steal the most. No other work is visible. They are remarkably diligent and industrious in this pursuit. In fact, they are so preoccupied with it that they have forgotten to attend to anything else. Otherwise, by the time this airport is completed, the tourism beds required for this region would have already been established.

Abdulla Shahid

Shahid stated that there are numerous ways to improve the country's current situation. He emphasized that doing so does not require "rocket science," but can be achieved through bilateral relations and traditional diplomacy. However, Shahid noted that instead of utilizing these avenues, this administration began its tenure by disparaging neighboring countries immediately following the inauguration ceremony.

Shahid highlighted the instances where effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi—the leader of the Maldives' closest and most friendly neighbor—were paraded through the streets in an act of mockery. He asserted that since the day President Muizzu took his oath of office, this administration has been actively working to dismantle the nation's entire tourism industry.

Furthermore, Shahid stated that all national development projects have currently come to a complete standstill, whether they pertain to housing, road construction, or electricity infrastructure. However, Shahid pledged to bring an end to this stagnation, providing his full assurance that under his leadership, every unfinished project across all regions of the Maldives would be brought to completion.

Today, Maldivians are witnessing the most mismanaged economic crisis in the nation's history—an economy brought to ruin by sheer incompetence. Policies shift daily, and the administration remains in constant conflict with all stakeholders. The value of the dollar continues to climb, inflation is soaring, and market prices are skyrocketing. The hard-earned money of the citizens is being squandered on a bloated number of political appointees. Public funds are being wasted on political extravagance and superficial projects. Consequently, the narrative being pushed by the government fails to resonate with citizens, employees, and investors alike; their actions simply do not align with their rhetoric. The reality is that this administration lacks the fundamental capability to govern. They are completely out of their depth.

Abdulla Shahid

Shahid stated that the current administration's ongoing dismissal of employees aligned with the MDP or those holding opposition views is a grave mistake. He asserted that these actions must cease immediately, noting that no government can truly govern by marginalizing and disenfranchising its own citizens.

Shahid stated that the MDP will return to power in this country, bringing prosperous and hopeful changes. He further noted that the support of all citizens is essential to achieving this goal.