President Blames Opposition’s ‘Fun Without Fear’ Policy for Social Decline

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has attributed the current state of societal issues to the opposition’s past endorsement of a “fun without fear” culture. Speaking at a ceremony in Hulhumalé on last night to mark the 92nd anniversary of the Maldives Police Service, the President said that those who encouraged such a mindset must bear responsibility for the consequences now facing the nation.

The President’s comments came in the wake of a recent incident in Malé, where a 21-year-old woman was seriously injured after falling onto a warehouse roof last Friday. Describing the case as “very sad,” President Muizzu suggested it was a reflection of the social impact of policies previously promoted by the opposition.

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His remarks appeared to be a reference to the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) 2013 presidential campaign, which included “fun without fear” as a slogan under its sports and entertainment policies.

According to the President, the youth have been led down this path as a result of efforts by a political movement to steer them away from the guiding principles, values, and cherished traditions of Islam in the country.

The Context

On the morning of Friday, 18 April, a 21-year-old woman was found injured on the roof of a warehouse in Henveiru. Police investigations later revealed that she had fallen through a small window from the ninth-floor stairwell of a nearby building, H. Fentenoy. At the time, she was accompanied by Raudh Ahmed Zilaal, the brother of Daudh Ahmed Zilaal, who served as the Under Secretary for Digital Strategy at the President’s Office and was suspended from his position without pay yesterday.

Further investigations revealed that the young woman and Raudh had both attended a party—reportedly involving drugs and alcohol—at MA. Maandhooge Dhekunuge, a residence belonging to Mohamed Ameen, current Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, and his siblings.

Following public pressure, police released the names of other individuals present at the party: Aishath Layaalee Igbal, Izdhiyan Mohamed Maumoon, Yoosuf Ahmed Akram, Yoosuf Yassar Abdulgafoor, Hussain Hamees Ali, and Ijaajaa Jaiz.

Among them, Izdhiyan Mohamed Maumoon served as the Under Secretary for Strategic Communication at the President’s Office until his dismissal yesterday.

The incident has attracted significant national attention, particularly due to the connections some attendees have with the government and allegations of police misconduct or negligence. The case has sparked public outrage, with many young people taking to the streets in protest, including demonstrations as recently as last night.