President says ‘nothing to discuss’ with Nazim
Nazim resigned from his position as Deputy Speaker on Sunday while a no-confidence motion seeking his removal was pending in Parliament.
President Mohamed Muizzu has rejected allegations that his recent visit to Singapore was linked to discussions with Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim, stating that there was “nothing to discuss, consult or negotiate” with the former Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
The President made the remarks during a press conference at the President’s Office on Monday in response to a question regarding claims circulating on social media about his trip during the Eid al-Adha holidays.
The allegations suggested that President Muizzu met Nazim during the visit and assured him that he would not be arrested if he returned to the Maldives. The claims also alleged that a no-confidence motion against Vice President Hassan Mohamed Latheef would follow.
Nazim resigned from his position as Deputy Speaker on Sunday while a no-confidence motion seeking his removal was pending in Parliament.
He had travelled to Malaysia on the same day the motion was submitted to the People’s Majlis. President Muizzu departed for Singapore before the Eid holidays and returned to Malé on Saturday night.
Responding to the allegations, the President said they were entirely false.
“There is absolutely no truth to these claims,” he said, describing them as “worse than absolute fabrications”.
The President said he had seen a video circulating online containing the allegations and criticised individuals he said present themselves as journalists or commentators while spreading unverified information.
Addressing his trip to Singapore, Muizzu said the visit was a family holiday and that he spent the entire period with his family.
“I have no matters to discuss, consult, or negotiate with Nazim. That trip was not made for such a purpose,” he said.
“There are many witnesses who can attest to this. MACL employees would have seen me departing from Malé with my children.”
The President also criticised those promoting the allegations, describing the claims as politically motivated.
Nazim resigned from the Deputy Speaker post shortly before Parliament was due to consider a no-confidence motion submitted by members of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), which holds a majority in the legislature.
The motion accused Nazim of actions that allegedly disrupted harmony among members of Parliament. In a statement issued upon his resignation, Nazim denied all allegations against him.
