Thief can be called thief; should be digested: Yameen

Opposition Leader and former President Abdulla Yameen has criticised President Mohamed Muizzu’s National Day address, in which the President said that in a democracy, a thief would be called a thief and leaders must accept it.

Speaking at a PNF meeting Sunday evening, Yameen said people in public office should expect criticism and scrutiny, and that political leaders must defend their reputations when allegations are raised.

“Appointment as President does not give the final say in everything in society. There are democratic norms, and those in power will be accused. It is their responsibility to defend themselves,” Yameen said.

He claimed that President Muizzu’s focus on freedom of expression during the National Day speech indicated “matters on his mind”. Yameen added that accusations against senior officials, including former HDC Managing Director Fazul Rasheed, former Fenaka Managing Director Muaz Rasheed, and Maldive Gas Managing Director Abdulla Mohamed, should be investigated.

“If the allegations are false, they should be investigated and cleared. Only then can trust be gained,” Yameen said.

Yameen argued that in a democracy, leaders cannot prevent criticism. He added that public opinion arises when allegations are not resolved, and that resignations are common in other democratic countries when leaders cannot clear their names.

The comments follow President Muizzu’s speech in HA. Utheemu, where he said freedom of expression must operate within limits and not infringe on the dignity of others. The remarks come as Parliament debates the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakar, which proposes giving the government control over the media.

Journalists, the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), the Maldives Media Council, and international organisations have called for the bill to be withdrawn. Several PNC MPs, including Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim, have defended the bill, saying concerns could be addressed at committee stage.

Yameen, who faced criticism during his own administration over restrictions on journalists and corruption allegations, said the opposition’s role is to hold the government accountable.