MP Asma Issues Apology Over Requesting Constituents to Send Her Prepared Questions for the President

MV+ News Desk | November 29, 2025
MP for Central Maafannu constituency, Asma Rasheed, speaking at the parliament on April 23 | Photo: Parliament

Maafannu Central MP Asma Rasheed has issued an official apology after criticism mounted against President Mohamed Muizzu over her request for constituents to send her questions they had prepared for him ahead of his meeting with residents.

In a statement released on the official parliamentary letterhead, Asma acknowledged sending the message in her constituency’s WhatsApp group but said it had been misunderstood. She explained that she asked residents to share their questions so she could raise them on behalf of those unable to attend the meeting, adding that she sent the message on her own initiative.

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Asma said it was important that all constituents have the opportunity to convey their questions and concerns directly to the president. She apologised to anyone who may have misinterpreted her intentions.

Her apology follows public criticism directed at the president after screenshots of her message—asking Maafannu Central residents to send their questions and indicate who wished to ask them—circulated on social media.

Local media outlets have reported that, amid the backlash, Asma was removed as Chair of the Parliament’s Social Affairs Committee and as Chair of the UK–Maldives Friendship Group. Her scheduled official trip to the United Kingdom was also reportedly cancelled.

Media outlets have further reported receiving messages from the president addressed to a WhatsApp group of PNC MPs, in which he expressed disappointment in Asma and instructed her to clarify that the message had been sent independently and not under party orders.

Presidential Office spokesperson Heena Waleed took to social media to deny claims that constituents must submit questions in advance before speaking at meetings with the president. She said the president does not object to anyone expressing themselves freely during such meetings and confirmed that prior submission of questions is not required.

Asma is among the few PNC MPs who openly criticise their own party. She previously condemned PNC members for allegedly obtaining personal information from the Department of National Registration (DNR) and submitting falsified forms to the Elections Commission to inflate party membership.

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