No matter how much effort is applied, you cannot squeeze pomegranate juice out of an orange: Ziyad

Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad has stated that no matter how much effort is exerted, one cannot squeeze pomegranate juice from an orange, asserting that the 20th People’s Majlis will do nothing more than serve as a rubber stamp for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

During Monday's Parliament sitting, lawmakers debated a government-sponsored bill to amend the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, submitted by Kolamaafushi MP Ibrahim Didi.

Debating the bill, Ziyad stated that it is illogical to claim that the government is seeking to gain public trust by proposing to repeal the legal amendment that mandated GST collection from foreign booking platforms, travel agents, and tour operators starting October 1. Ziyad further noted that the public understands why something deemed appropriate yesterday is suddenly considered wrong today, asserting that this shift is solely because President Muizzu has directed it to be so.

The Member stated that parliamentarians are unable to express views contrary to President Muizzu's directives, asserting that this was the underlying reason behind the Kolamaafushi MP's submission of the bill.

The bill was introduced by the Member for the Kolamaafushi constituency. The sewerage project in Kolamaafushi has remained incomplete for two years. Similarly, the land reclamation project, which was launched as a campaign stunt, has come to a complete standstill. There are numerous employees at RDC, including expatriates, who continue to be paid despite the lack of progress. This has been the case for over a year. When we raise these issues in this Parliament, they dismiss us as "bots." Is it possible to achieve any other outcome? This change has now been institutionalized through the Constitution. No matter how much effort you exert, you cannot squeeze pomegranate juice out of an orange. No matter how hard you press, it simply will not happen. This Parliament will now do nothing more than carry the water for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Those who were passionately debating in favor of the opposite yesterday are today claiming that this new way is superior. All this has changed in just a single day.

Hussain Ziyad

Ziyad stated that while making a U-turn or changing course is not inherently problematic, it becomes an issue when constant reversals are the only consistent action being taken. He further noted that the public is bearing the brunt of the government's decisions. Despite official assurances that tax changes would not impact citizens and businesses, Ziyad argued that the reality on the ground suggests otherwise.

Furthermore, the member noted that the government-provided talking points were easily discernible, warning that public trust cannot be maintained if laws are changed as frequently as the shifting winds between seasons. MP Ziyad added that this lack of consistency is precisely why the public has lost confidence in the current administration.