President Muizzu's primary objective is to control the media, but he will not succeed: Mauroof
13 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 08:52Member of Parliament Mauroof has called for the immediate cessation of the Ras Male' project, asserting that leasing land to foreign entities for 99 years is unconstitutional. Contending that the extent of government influence over the project necessitates a public referendum, Mauroof emphasized that a unified effort by opposition parties would be successful in halting the initiative.
Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir, speaking during RaajjeTV’s special coverage titled "Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah" on Friday. | RaajjeMV
Since assuming office, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s primary focus has been an attempt to exert control over the media, according to Mauroof Zakir, the Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency. However, the lawmaker asserted that such efforts to suppress press freedom would ultimately prove unsuccessful.
Speaking during RaajjeTV’s special coverage titled "Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah" on Friday, MP Mauroof stated that media outlets are the most vital tool for conveying efforts undertaken in the public interest to the citizens. However, he alleged that the current administration is actively working to undermine and exert control over the media.
Furthermore, MP Mauroof stated that the government is attempting to mislead the public regarding the reality of the Ras Male' project through state-controlled media outlets.
MP Mauroof stated that the opposition's primary demand is the immediate cessation of the project. He further noted that the call for a public referendum was necessitated by the excessive influence exerted by senior government officials and President Muizzu over the matter.
Emphasizing that Maldivian land belongs to its citizens, MP Mauroof stated that granting long-term land leases of up to 99 years to foreign entities cannot be carried out beyond the boundaries of the Constitution.
Mauroof stated that from both an economic and social perspective, this is not a matter that should be put to a vote, but rather a project that must be halted immediately.
In my view, if the MDP were truly functioning as an effective opposition party today, they could collaborate with the other opposition groups to resolve this matter definitively without the need for a referendum.Mauroof Zakir
MP Mauroof stated that if opposition political parties work together effectively, results can be achieved to stop such illegal activities without the need for a public vote. Furthermore, MP Mauroof called upon the Maldivian citizens to provide their full cooperation in these efforts.
