President Mohamed Muizzu’s response to a leaked message sent by Maafannu Central MP Asma Rasheed has drawn criticism, with many describing his reaction as disproportionate and hostile toward a senior member of his own party.
Asma asked residents of Maafannu Ward to inform her if they wished to raise questions at Muizzu’s meeting with the ward’s people. Such requests are common among MPs. When the message leaked, Muizzu accused her of harming his reputation. He removed her from two parliamentary posts and from his delegation ahead of his visit to the United Kingdom.
Sources said Muizzu demanded a public apology. Asma later issued a statement saying her message had been taken out of context. She apologised for the situation and said she never intended to cause any problem.
People close to the matter said the president acted out of anger. They pointed out that Maafannu South MP Abdulla Rifau also asked residents to inform him if they wished to ask questions, yet he faced no action. They questioned why Asma was singled out.
Party members said Asma only asked for names and never attempted to filter questions. They described the president’s accusations as unfair. Some said the move targeted an elderly MP over a minor issue and showed a lack of restraint from the president.
Residents who attended the meeting said the atmosphere became tense when several people questioned Muizzu on issues he failed to answer. They said the incident increased concern about his sensitivity to criticism and his attitude toward internal disagreements.
Former Defence Minister Maria Ahmed Didi supported Asma, saying the MP acted within her responsibility to prepare residents who wanted to speak. Critics inside and outside the government said the episode damaged the president more than the leak. They said his handling of the matter raised questions about his judgement, temperament, and treatment of senior figures in his own party.