Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel has called on the media to refrain from publishing reports that could harm the Maldives’ relations with friendly nations, saying such actions amount to attacking one’s own country.
Khaleel made the remarks on Thursday at the launch of Minivan Dhivehi Raajje, a documentary produced by state broadcaster Public Service Media (PSM) to mark Independence Day.
“Especially if it is something that influences or disrupts our sovereignty, we should leave it to ourselves for the sake of the country,” Khaleel said. “If we bring those stories, what we are doing is attacking our own country, with our own hand.”
He suggested that some media coverage had negatively affected the country’s diplomatic ties, though he did not cite any specific examples.
The comments come against the backdrop of past campaigns by the current leadership, including the controversial “India Out” movement, which alleged that Indian troops were present in the Maldives under secretive and dangerous agreements. Khaleel, along with President Mohamed Muizzu and other senior figures in the current administration, was an active participant in the campaign while in opposition.
Since coming to power, the Muizzu government has confirmed that no such agreements existed and that the previous claims were unfounded. It has since moved to mend fences and revive ties with India.
Critics argue that the administration rode to power on a wave of misinformation and anti-India sentiment, and that current calls for media responsibility contrast sharply with the rhetoric used during the campaign.