Yameen claims ‘silent revolution’ underway among pro-govt MPs

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has claimed that discontent is growing among pro-government MPs over President Mohamed Muizzu’s policies, describing the situation in Parliament as a “silent revolution”.

Speaking at a People’s National Front (PNF) rally on Thursday night, Yameen said some MPs involved in businesses that depend on foreign currency were dissatisfied with recent changes to foreign exchange policy.

“I know the difficulties that came with these dollar surrender rules. In Parliament, there are members who source dollars from the black market for business, and there are members who earn dollars operating safaris,” Yameen said.

“They are by no means solidly standing with Muizzu; they are very angry. A very silent revolution is happening there now. God willing, we will watch as this situation changes quite easily.”

Yameen did not identify the MPs he was referring to or provide evidence of moves within Parliament against the President.

His comments come after amendments to the Foreign Exchange Act increased the foreign currency conversion requirement for resorts to 40 per cent of monthly foreign currency revenue.

The government has defended the measure, saying it will increase the amount of foreign currency available through the banking system. Yameen has opposed the requirement and has previously called on resort operators to resist the policy.

Yameen also criticised the dismissal of employees from state-owned enterprises as companies reduce their workforces.

He said governments had a responsibility to address the needs of the public and criticised the Muizzu administration for recruiting employees before later terminating jobs.

Yameen called on workers who had been dismissed from state-owned companies to meet with the PNF, saying the party would work to advocate for their rights.

He argued that affected employees should pursue the issue through political action rather than relying solely on the courts or the Employment Tribunal.

“Do not think that securing your rights means going to the Employment Tribunal. Going to the tribunal will not move things forward, and going to the Civil Court will only see your case buried,” Yameen said.

“These workers will not receive compensation through the judicial system; they will get redress only through political action.”

Several state-owned enterprises have been reducing their workforces as part of restructuring and expenditure reduction measures. Opposition parties have alleged that some dismissals have targeted their members, while the government has denied that employees are being removed on the basis of political affiliation.