MDP Majority Leader Accuses Muizzu of Deception in Parliamentary Response
Photo: People’s Majilis
Mohamed Rasheed Hussain, also known as Bigey, an MDP Member of Parliament and Majority Leader, strongly criticized President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s address, accusing it of containing falsehoods, deceit, and misinformation.
In his response to the presidential address delivered on February 5th, MP Rasheed asserted that the current administration ascended to power through a campaign of lies and deception. He further contended that President Muizzu, in his address to the nation, sought to mislead the public and distort reality.
Highlighting the achievements of MDP’s previous administration, MP Rasheed underscored their success in addressing public needs amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their notable economic progress despite facing borrowing constraints. He refuted the current administration’s claim of credit for halting money printing, attributing the decision to the former administration.
Moreover, MP Rasheed challenged President Muizzu’s assertion regarding the conversion of dollars in the Sovereign Development Fund (SDF) to Maldivian Rufiyaa, clarifying that this measure aimed to bolster external reserves and ensure loan repayment obligations could be met.
The majority leader also criticised the President’s announcement of lower-interest housing loans, asserting that such initiatives were already implemented by the previous administration in 2021.
Accusing the current administration of stalling projects initiated by its predecessor, MP Rasheed urged for their expedited continuation without excuses. He reiterated his condemnation of what he described as the President’s “blatant lies” and emphasized the need for accountability, particularly regarding social issues such as drug abuse and gang activity, which he claimed were inadequately addressed in the presidential address.
Furthermore, MP Rasheed lamented the perceived lack of transparency in the current administration’s financial disclosures, citing the recent blocking of three unregistered news websites as indicative of a concerning trend for journalism.
The allegations levelled by MP Rasheed underscore the growing tensions within the Maldivian political landscape, as both government and opposition factions engage in contentious exchanges over the country’s direction and governance.