MDP's damage greater than Middle East war, Falah says

Inguraidhoo MP and PNC parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falah on Tuesday criticised the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), stating that the party is causing more harm to the Maldives than the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Falah made the remarks during a parliamentary debate on an emergency motion submitted by MDP MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, calling on the government to take immediate steps in response to the conflict in the Middle East. The motion highlighted the potential economic impact on the Maldives, particularly in the tourism sector.

MP Meekail noted that Iran had begun retaliatory attacks following strikes by Israel and the United States and warned that the conflict could expand across the region. He stated that disruptions to air travel would directly affect tourism, a key contributor to government revenue and foreign exchange earnings.

The emergency motion was accepted for debate with 45 votes in favour. One MP, PNC’s Hinnavaru MP Hamad Abdulla, voted against the motion.

During the debate, Falah said the opposition had failed in its responsibility to support national interests.

“The MDP is the largest political party in the Maldives and receives the highest allocation of state funds, yet it continues to act in ways that harm the country,” he said.

He claimed that the MDP had attempted to undermine the tourism industry in the past. Referring to events following the resignation of former President Mohamed Nasheed in 2012, Falah said MDP leaders had travelled to European countries and called for a boycott of Maldivian tourism.

“The MDP sent representatives to various resorts and pushed a campaign that impacted the tourism industry,” he said.

Falah also said the government is monitoring the Middle East situation closely and that relevant ministries are taking steps under the direction of President Mohamed Muizzu. He reiterated that the government aims to mitigate any disruptions caused by the conflict.

The MDP currently has approximately 43,000 registered members and received MVR 8.5 million from the state budget this year. The ruling PNC is reported to have about 70,000 members, according to data from the Elections Commission.