Muizzu Denies U-Turn on Tobacco Duty, Says Position Has Remained Consistent

President Mohamed Muizzu pushed back against claims that the government had reversed its position on reducing tobacco import duty, saying the suggestion was based on a misunderstanding of his earlier remarks.

The issue was raised by Raajje TV journalist Laisha Ahmed, who asked why the government’s current position appeared different from comments the president had made at a previous press conference.

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Muizzu responded that he had seen the discussion circulating on social media and had gone back to check his own remarks. He said he found that he had never stated that tobacco import duty would definitely not be reduced.

According to the president, both his earlier comments and the remarks made by Homeland Minister Ali Ihusan at yesterday’s press conference conveyed the same message: that the government was reviewing the matter and considering recommendations from the World Health Organization.

The exchange continued as Laisha maintained that the president had previously indicated that no changes would be made to the duty structure. Muizzu disagreed, insisting that he had only said the issue was under review and that he had never ruled out future adjustments.

He further stated that his position on the matter has remained consistent, saying he had not said anything different before, was not saying anything different now, and would not say anything different in the future.