The Mohamed Muizzu administration lacks direction and vision, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said. He was speaking during an appearance on Raajjé TV.
While the administration crosses the one-year mark, its actions have left Maldivians disillusioned and filled with concern, the former leader said.
Muizzu started working against the free media the moment he entered office, Solih said.
“Within the space of one year, a bill has been introduced in parliament to bring journalism under the control of the government,” he said, going on to explain that the majority of members in the proposed new commission would be appointed by the President.
The commission would have the power to suspended activities of media agencies completely should any action catch their attention, Solih said, warning that this was a dangerous turn in a democracy.
The Muizzu administration is also going against its pledges, Solih contended. Muizzu had promised to maintain the per-kilo purchase rate of tuna at MVR 20 and to pay fishers within 48 hours, while also promising to facilitate US dollar earnings, he said.
“They [the current administration] buy fish for MVR 16 and the money is not paid for two or three weeks,” Solih said.
Maldivians now have to beg in order to cover healthcare expenses, the former President said, accusing the Muizzu administration of being hopeless in implementing proper policies and of lying to the public, even as pledges remain unaddressed.
“If this continues, there are dark days ahead for the people,” Solih said.
