Maldives govt suspends ministers for derogatory remarks against PM Modi

The Maldives government on Sunday distanced itself from derogatory remarks made by its minister Mariyam Shiuna against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and suspended her and two other Ministers for their act.

In a statement following India’s protest, the Maldivian government said the ‘opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives’.

“The government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and international partners,” the Maldives government statement added.


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“The relevant authorities of the government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks,” the statement added.

A massive controversy erupted after Shiuna, Maldives deputy minister of youth empowerment, made derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Modi, calling him a ‘clown’ and ‘puppet’ over his recent Lakshadweep visit.

However, the minister deleted the X post soon after outrage over the remark that triggered a massive backlash on social media. Ex-Maldivian president Mohammad Nasheed condemned Shiuna's remark, calling it ‘appalling’. Several other political leaders of Maldives also expressed similar sentiments.

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Former Maldives Foreign Minister and a close ally of India Abdullah Shahid took to X to pull up the Minister and others from the ruling party.

“Derogatory remarks made by 2 Deputy Ministers of the current #Maldives Government, and a member of a political party in the ruling coalition, towards Prime Minister @narendramodi and the people of India on social media is reprehensible and odious. I call on the Government to reprimand these officials. Public figures must maintain decorum. They must accept that they are no longer social media activists and that they are now entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the interests of the people and the country,” Sahhid wrote on X.

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Referring to deep ties with India, Shahid affirmed, “India is a time-tested friend and an unwavering ally. They have historically been the first to respond in our time of need. Our close relationship has been bound by mutual respect, history, culture and strong people-to-people relations.”

Ties between the Md Muizzu government and India have been tense ever since Muizzu was voted president following his demand for "Indian troops" withdrawal from Maldives. After his trips to Turkey and UAE, Muizzu left for China on January 6 and is expected to return on January 10 skipping India in what traditionally has been the first destination for Maldives Presidents following their election to office.