President says politics seen as ‘dirty’ by many young Maldivians

President Mohamed Muizzu has said that developments in Maldivian politics over the years have led many young people to view political activity as something “dirty” that they do not want to be associated with.

Speaking at the opening of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) Congress on Tuesday, Muizzu addressed what he described as responsible political activity and the party’s “nation first” philosophy. More than 1,300 members are participating in the congress, which is being held from 15 to 18 September.

Muizzu said responsible political activity should not involve conduct that is wrong or unacceptable, but argued that the way politics has developed in the Maldives has created a negative perception among young people.

According to Muizzu, that perception needs to change, and he said it could be addressed by placing the interests of the country first.

“If the country is placed first, we will move towards a Maldives for Maldivians. If the country is placed first, political activity will be a very clean undertaking,” Muizzu said.

He said a nation-first approach meant that personal interests should not take precedence over national interests, and that political parties should not pursue their own interests at the expense of the country.

Muizzu also criticised political parties that, in his view, take actions that harm the country in an effort to politically disadvantage their opponents.

“Unfortunately, there are times when some parties, without thinking, act in ways that harm the country simply to cause political damage to another party,” he said.

Muizzu called on people across the political spectrum to remember that they are Maldivians first and to work towards the country’s development regardless of their party affiliation.

He said differences over how the Maldives should be developed were part of the political system and could result in people supporting different political parties.

However, he said putting the country first should mean supporting initiatives that benefit the Maldives, irrespective of which political party is in government.

Muizzu added that the same principle should apply to the ruling party. If the government or ruling party takes an action that harms the country, he said, people should speak out against it immediately.

He said responsible politics should involve explaining why a particular course of action would better serve the country and presenting an alternative approach rather than opposing measures solely on partisan grounds.

The President’s remarks at the congress centred on prioritising national interests over party interests. Muizzu also called on PNC members to work together and said the party should seek to set an example in the country’s political sphere.