Fayyaz Ismail, former chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), on Thursday raised alarm over reports that the government is preparing to grant ownership of land to foreigners, warning such a move could result in “an irreversible and dangerous loss of sovereignty.”
In a post on X, Fayyaz said the country faces growing threats amid “intensifying geopolitical rivalries amongst great powers and emerging actors from the Middle East and beyond.” He cited historical precedent, adding, “Sale of land to Zionists in Palestine during the Ottoman Empire is sufficient for us to give pause and reflect.”
Fayyaz, who served as economic minister under the previous MDP government, also criticised Muizzu’s handling of the economy and civil liberties, saying, “The one thing that has become crystal clear during the two years of the current administration is that Prez. Muizzu does not have an inkling of how to run a country. Our economy has collapsed, and the freedoms earned have been steadily stripped away.”
He said the administration lacked vision or plans for the country, and that “the only clear goals of the president thus far are taking complete control of the state, and imposing his personal will on our everyday lives.” Fayyaz also accused the president of targeting women and marginalised groups, noting that the revised civil service dress code, announced on Wednesday, “reaffirms his intent to expressly control what women can do and wear.”
The former MDP chairperson urged citizens to prioritise constitutional and governance reforms, stating: “The 2026 New Year’s resolution for all of us who value freedom, justice, progress, and community should be to reform and strengthen our constitution and systems of governance, such that a tyrant cannot tear our country apart so easily. May 2026 be a year of hope and change for the better.”
The post comes as the Muizzu administration faces increasing scrutiny over its management of the economy, civil liberties and women’s rights.