In an exclusive and wide-ranging written interview with The Standard, the Chief Spokesperson of the President’s Office, Heena Waleed, forcefully pushed back against misinformation and reiterated President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s unwavering commitment to transparency, good governance, and the public interest. Addressing hot-button issues ranging from political appointments to digital reforms, Waleed debunked political distortions with clarity and confidence.
No Pledge Broken: Political Appointee Cap Was a Guiding Estimate, Not a Promise
Dispelling one of the most misrepresented claims in recent political discourse, Heena Waleed clarified that the widely-cited figure of 700 political appointees was never a formal campaign pledge. “It was merely an indicative target mentioned during the transition period,” she explained, “based on preliminary institutional assessments.”
She stressed that the government remains committed to transparency and public accountability. “Information on political appointments is accessible through ministries and is consistently being disclosed in response to citizen requests,” she added, refuting any notion of secrecy.
Gedhoruveriyaa Housing: Commitment to Fairness, Not Political Credit
Addressing public anxiety over the long-awaited handover of Gedhoruveriyaa flats, Waleed affirmed that the current administration is determined to complete the process with absolute fairness.
“These flats will be handed over soon, without any political interference,” she said. “The eligibility criteria remain unchanged from the previous administration to ensure continuity and transparency. Every rightful recipient will receive their flat.”
Resolving the Medicine Shortage: A Systemic Overhaul Underway
On the pressing issue of medicine availability, the spokesperson outlined a data-driven, solution-focused approach. Of the 1,434 approved generic drugs, 1,060 are already stocked by STO, with 252 more en route and suppliers being secured for the remaining types.
But the effort doesn’t stop at procurement. “We’re reforming the entire system—from enhancing Aasandha’s efficiency to digitalizing access and strengthening oversight via MFDA. This is a full-scale, long-term solution,” Waleed said.
Cigarette Taxes for Health, Not Profit
In a bold break from past administrations, Heena Waleed reaffirmed that cigarette tax revenue will now be directly reinvested into the health sector. “This is not a revenue strategy—it’s a public health policy,” she stated. She cited the newly announced generational smoking ban and vape restrictions as proof of a leadership that prioritizes citizens’ well-being.
Maldives 2.0: Digital Revolution, Not Ballot Manipulation
Dismissing opposition claims linking the Maldives 2.0 initiative to electronic voting, Waleed underscored the initiative’s real purpose: modernizing public service delivery and boosting citizen access to government services.
“There are absolutely no plans for electronic voting under Maldives 2.0,” she said. “This is about secure, transparent, people-centric governance. We are laying the digital foundation for a developed Maldives by 2040—not engaging in electoral games.”
No Truth to Claims About Sami Zeidan
Addressing circulating rumors that President Muizzu had hired international journalist Sami Zeidan as a consultant on a high-paying contract, Waleed labeled the allegations “fabricated and politically motivated.”
“The President never hired Zeidan. He attended presentation workshops, like many other leaders globally have. The $50,000 monthly retainer and UN speech rumors are complete fiction, pushed by anonymous sources with no credibility,” she stated firmly.
Press Freedom Day Marathon: Not a Record, But a Statement of Principle
Finally, responding to questions about the length of the recent World Press Freedom Day press conference—reportedly one of the longest in Maldivian history—Waleed was clear: “This was never about breaking records. It was about open dialogue. The President wanted every question answered—no filters, no time limits. That’s real transparency.”
A Government Grounded in Integrity and National Vision
Through this interview, Heena Waleed offered not just answers—but a powerful reaffirmation of President Muizzu’s core principles: transparency, fairness, and service to the people.
In a political environment often clouded by disinformation and sensationalism, the administration’s clear and confident messaging signals a government focused not on optics—but on outcomes. As the Muizzu administration continues to steer the nation forward, one thing remains unmistakable: it is a leadership driven by purpose, not politics.
