Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has accused the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of failing to address key national challenges while in government, arguing that many of the country’s current economic difficulties stem from decisions made under its administration.
Speaking at a People’s National Congress (PNC) gathering in AA. Ukulhas, Shiyam questioned the opposition’s criticism of the current government, saying the MDP had failed to resolve even basic issues such as waste management during its time in office.
He said the MDP’s criticism of cleanliness in Hulhumalé was inconsistent with its own record, recalling the condition of the waste disposal site behind Imaduddin School, which he said had expanded to the point of creating a sanitation crisis in Malé.
“The MDP should be ashamed to raise such concerns today after failing so significantly in the past,” Shiyam said.
The minister also accused MDP leaders of attempting to mislead the public, adding that Maldivians were fully aware of the country’s recent political and economic history.
Responding to recent remarks by former President Mohamed Nasheed on the rising cost of living, Shiyam said the current economic pressures were the result of policies adopted during the previous administration, particularly the large-scale printing of money.
He argued that Nasheed, who served as Speaker of Parliament at the time, presided over the approval of those financial decisions, while PNC lawmakers had warned of the long-term economic consequences.
“Who authorized the continuous printing of money without any oversight on spending? It was none other than President Nasheed. It is quite ironic to see them talk about these issues today,” Shiyam said.
According to the minister, the injection of MVR 8 billion into the economy under the previous administration remains one of the biggest factors affecting the country’s economic stability.
Concluding his address, Shiyam called on the public to reject what he described as “destructive ideologies” and instead support President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s development agenda. He credited the President with maintaining political stability and creating a healthier political environment.
Shiyam also expressed confidence that President Muizzu’s administration would deliver a record number of development projects before the end of its current term, including housing schemes, land reclamation projects and the construction of new airports across the Maldives.
