MP for South Galolhu constituency Meekail Ahmed Naseem has sharply criticized President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, accusing it of deliberately sabotaging the private sector to enable state-sponsored theft and corruption.

In an interview with RaajjeMV, MP Meekail alleged that the government is intentionally expanding into private industries, undermining existing businesses in the process. He claimed the administration’s true objective is to cripple private enterprise and centralize control in order to facilitate embezzlement and theft through state-owned companies.

He stressed that the current administration is not just competing with private businesses, it is actively trying to destroy them to create opportunities for theft.

Meekail cited the State Trading Organization (STO), which has long been responsible for importing medicine into the Maldives. According to him, the government has now created a new, separate company for pharmaceutical imports, a move he claims was made solely to enable corruption.

Accusing the government of strategically forming new entities under the guise of reform while operating with “cunning and corrupt intentions”, Meekail asserted that creating a new company when STO has been doing this for years is pointless and that the new company is a tool for theft.

Addressing broader concerns, the lawmaker criticized the government’s public messaging, pointing out the stark contrast between official statements and the lived reality of citizens.

He noted that while government officials continue to claim that the economy is stable, foreign relations are strong, and international support is robust, everyday Maldivians are facing increasing economic hardship and uncertainty.

Meekail cited the people posing questions including why citizens are struggling, if everything is going “so well”, and why daily life is becoming more difficult.

He also remarked that even during the global disruption caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic, the administration appears more focused on protecting its image than addressing citizens' real needs.

Meekail’s comments add to a growing chorus of criticism facing President Muizzu’s government, particularly over concerns related to transparency, misuse of public funds, and the expanding influence of state-owned enterprises in traditionally private sectors.