President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to provide a free case of fish to every household for the upcoming Ramadan month.
Speaking at the ongoing ceremony at the Social Center to mark the government’s first anniversary, President Dr. Muizzu said that during the last Ramadan, staple foods were given to the people of Maldives as Ramadan gifts.
However, the President said that he has instructed MIFCO to provide a free case of fish to every household instead of staple foods for the upcoming Ramadan month.
Last Ramadan, the government provided 10 kg of flour and 10 kg of rice to each household as gifts. The staple foods were distributed after checking the domestic electricity meter number and noting the ID card number of the person collecting the items.
President Muizzu announced that the government would gift a 10 kg bag of rice and a 10 kg bag of flour to every household last Ramadan while speaking to journalists after his official trip to China.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced tonight that he will remove the “Media Control Bill” from the Parliament, which was proposed by an independent member of the Parliament to fine media outlets and journalists and suspend their licenses.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Social Center to mark the first anniversary of this government, President Dr. Muizzu addressed the bill proposed by the independent member for Thulusdhoo constituency, Abdul Hannan Idrees.
He stated that the bill does not align with his policies. The President said he does not want to control the media but rather wants to empower them and give them more freedom than they currently have.
“We will work to empower the media. To empower the media, for the first time, the budget that is being passed will include allocations from the state budget to provide funds to media outlets. For the first time, as promised,” the President said.
The President also mentioned that the funds for media will be distributed under regulations made by the Youth Ministry. He also said that an office space will be provided in Hulhumale at a reasonable price, and all media outlets that comply with regulations can work there.
According to the President, media offices will be established in the hotel that STO has started building, and TV programs can also be recorded there.
After the ceremony, while greeting supporters, the President responded to a question from a journalist who approached the area, saying that he will remove the bill. The President said this while his PNC party holds a supermajority in the Parliament.
When the journalist asked if the bill would not be accepted, the President replied, “Yes, of course.”
The President said that 91% of the RTI requests submitted to the President’s Office have now been answered. He said that all activities of every ministry are being published on the ‘Government’ website, and 819 questions have been received through the People’s Voice Portal. He also mentioned that 773 of these questions have been answered in detail.
The President stated that ministries have held 73 press conferences, and ministers have given 791 interviews to various media outlets.
President Dr. Muizzu said that journalists also have a responsibility. He said that it is to provide information to people truthfully. He stated that there is no problem with writing anything as long as it is truthful.
Journalists have two main concerns regarding the Media Bill. One concern is that out of the seven members of the new commission, four will be appointed by the President with the approval of the Parliament, and three will be appointed by media outlets. Journalists fear this could lead to government influence over the media.
The bill gives the power to appoint the chairman and vice-chairman of the commission to the President with the approval of the Parliament.
The second concern is that the bill allows for fining journalists and media outlets. Media outlets can be fined between MVR 5,000 and MVR 50,000 for repeated violations of the code of conduct. Individual journalists can be fined between MVR 5,000 and MVR 10,000.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that this Administration prioritises on information disclosure, to levels Maldivians had not experienced before. He made the statement at the official reception held to commemorate the one year in office.
In his address, the President reflected on his Administration’s track record of public disclosure. As such, he noted that the Administration had responded to around 91 percent of Right to Information (RTI) requests. As such, in the spirit of proactive public disclosure, he noted that the Government had created dedicated websites for publication of government and cabinet news. Additionally, he said that members of the Cabinet, had interacted with media 791 times and held 73 press conferences in the past 52 weeks, in addition to directly responding to public queries filed to the Citizen’s Voices portal.
Continuing his address, the President appealed to media to adhere to tenets of fair and factual reporting, reflecting on his Administration’s efforts to assist media development.
President Dr Muizzu added that no political appointee will be allowed to interfere into the judicial justice system. If in the event such an incident is observed, the President assured that swift action would be taken. He reaffirmed his commitment to keeping the judiciary free from influence, stating that such actions had no place since he assumed office one year back.
The President reiterated that the Administration will always seek public input into running the nation, noting that he had travelled to 70 islands and met 169 councils.
In his address, the President echoed his pledge to safeguard the independence and sovereignty of the nation. He said that today, it was Maldivians who oversaw monitoring the exclusive economic zone of the country, as well as having successfully removed all foreign military presence from the nation. Maldives, he repeated, will maintain friendly relations with all nations that respect our laws and religion.
Prior to concluding his address, the President thanked all who had taken part in running the nation in the past 52 weeks.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that a new chapter in regional development is on the horizon. He made the remark at the official reception to commemorate the one year in office.
The President reiterated that high-end services will be implemented north and south of the Maldives. Seven urban centres will be built nationwide to guarantee equal access to high-quality services. He also stated that he would seek public consultation on this issue.
The Government aims to ensure that all services are accessible on every island, even in areas with small populations. The President stated that ATMs will be installed on all islands, and every island will have access to fuel at the State Trading Organisation (STO) rate. Additionally, the government plans to extend RTL services to all atolls and ensure that subsidies, Aasandha, and social security support for those in need are provided sufficiently so that no one is left without assistance.
The President announced an increase in civil servants’ salaries next year and a raise for all judiciary employees by 2026.
The President stated that a significant number of housing projects will be initiated, and efforts will also be made to improve health sector infrastructure. In addition to a specialty hospital for cancer, thalassemia, and mental health, plans are underway to establish five more hospitals across the country. He emphasised that a substantial portion of next year’s budget has been allocated for developing health infrastructure, purchasing equipment, and training personnel. In the coming weeks, work on establishing general practitioner (GP) clinics will continue. He also stated that the primary objective is to facilitate access for Maldivians, allowing them to receive medical treatment locally instead of travelling abroad.
The President reaffirmed his intention to provide primary healthcare services to every atoll in the nation. Additionally, he stated that direct flights to China and Europe would soon be available on wide-body aircraft that arrive in the Maldives. The President expressed confidence that the expansion of Velana International Airport would be finished by the end of the following year.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to addressing past mismanagement and meeting the expectations of the Maldivian people. Speaking at the official reception marking the first year of his Administration, the President highlighted the progress made so far and outlined plans for the future.
In his address, the President expressed concern over the financial practices of the previous administration, particularly the significant issuance of currency and compensation payouts totaling MVR 1 billion. He assured the public that his Administration is committed to avoiding such practices.
Detailing efforts to recover public funds, President Dr Muizzu revealed that MVR 16 billion in unpaid state funds remained when his Government assumed office. Over the past year, MVR 2.6 billion of this amount has been recovered. The President also addressed outstanding payments to fishermen, noting that his Administration had cleared arrears totaling MVR 250 million and distributed over MVR 1 billion to fishermen by 11 November 2024.
President Dr Muizzu reassured the public that efforts are underway to terminate unfavorable agreements made by the previous administration with foreign companies. He emphasised that such projects must benefit the Maldivian people, rather than external interests.
On the issue of land and flat allocations, the President pledged transparency and fairness. He affirmed that no legally acquired land or flats would be revoked, but allocations made through fraud or improper documentation would be canceled. “This has always been the process, and it will remain so,” he said. He further explained that housing allocations would adhere strictly to established criteria and point systems, with oversight from committees and the Ministry of Housing to ensure impartiality. The President also assured that 4,000 flats would be allocated equitably.
Reflecting on the year’s achievements, President Dr Muizzu acknowledged that only 44 per cent of the planned work had been completed but expressed confidence in future progress. He reiterated his Administration’s commitment to completing key projects, including the reclamation of Gulhifalhu, within the coming year.
In conclusion, the President reaffirmed his Administration’s dedication to ethical governance, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that development initiatives directly benefit the Maldivian people.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated on Sunday that the Government will produce tangible results with enthusiasm and at a fast pace. He made these remarks whilst speaking at the ceremony to mark the Government’s first year in office.
He highlighted that there were numerous challenges concerning the realisation of the Administration’s goals at the beginning of the tenure. However, the President revealed that many of these goals have already been delivered to the people. In that regard, he noted the establishment of the air ambulance service which transported 540 patients and the coverage of many healthcare services under the national the Government’s universal healthcare insurance scheme, Aasandha, including coverage for In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) services and other reproductive health related services.
He added that the mental health helpline set up to ensure the wellbeing of people coping with mental health issues had been instrumental in providing relief to youth. The Administration introduced a nationwide single hotline, 911, within the past 52 weeks of the government. The hotline aims to eliminate the hassle of sifting through emergency numbers by adopting a single, unified number.
Highlighting that the Administration aims to provide the necessary care for its people swiftly, the President shed light on efforts to assist Thalassemia patients. He said that 14 state-sponsored patients have been sent abroad for bone marrow transplants within the past 52 weeks of the Administration.
Reiterating the Administration’s focus on delivering results, the President noted the progress achieved in easing housing difficulties. In that regard, the President stated that in order to make housing affordable the Administration had provided relaxations to those with social housing who are unable to pay their dues.
Emphasising that the Government budget for 2025 would focus on alleviating housing issues, the President stated that the Government is working on resolving the problem of unaffordable housing loans. He further mentioned that the Administration had introduced an affordable Shariah-compliant housing loan with no more than 5 per cent interest, as he had previously pledged. The President described the loan as which is truly affordable. The President stated that the loan scheme and the Government’s efforts to compile a fishermen’s registry, would assist in issuing loans to fishermen and other such families for the first time.
The President also highlighted economic activities such as the establishment of bunkering services, sea-to-air cargo services, and the Development Bank of Maldives. He mentioned that as part of ongoing efforts to decentralise governance and services, councils have been allocated uninhabited islands for commercial benefits. Additionally, administrative services such as National Identity Card (NID) and passport services are now provided nationwide. The President also pledged to budget the initiation of infrastructure projects on the islands and to ensure its completion before the end of his tenure.
As the President had stated upon assuming office, he would place equal importance on developing infrastructure, ideological, and religious education. He highlighted some efforts made in these areas within the past 52 weeks. In this regard, the President stated that 270 religious speakers had been trained and other opportunities had been provided for youth in the religious sector. The President also highlighted that teacher training opportunities have surged to levels unprecedented in the past decade.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that this Government will proceed with public consultation and will stand 100 per cent with the people. He made these remarks whilst speaking at the official reception to commemorate one year in office.
Speaking at the Youth Centre Hall tonight, President Dr Muizzu detailed the Government’s proposed solutions to the dollar issue. He noted that currently only 1.5 per cent of tourism sector revenue is being converted to banks. To address this, he said that with new MMA regulation changes, it is expected that 20 per cent of dollars will be converted to banks starting from January. As a result of these strategic efforts, Government companies will be able to access dollars at bank rates. He further announced that by the first quarter of 2026, travellers will have the opportunity to purchase up to USD 1,000 at bank rates, whilst credit card limits would be increased to USD 1,400. Starting from July, the Government will increase the dollar allocation for TT (Telegraphic Transfer) through banks for local businesses importing goods.
The President also highlighted one of the Administration’s key priorities—addressing illegal immigration. When the Government took office, the number of illegal immigrants was unknown, but with efforts taken to address this issue, he noted that 5,012 expatriates have been repatriated, surpassing the number deported in the previous three years combined. The Government has now brought all relevant institutions under one umbrella to address issues of illegal immigration, gang crimes and drug-related problems.
Speaking about measures taken to address social issues, the President noted that dangerous road incidents have decreased by 33 per cent, whilst drug seizures have increased by 61 per cent compared with the previous year.
Regarding healthcare, the President highlighted efforts to reduce wastage in the Aasandha system. He mentioned that the Government has begun controlling prices by importing high-quality medicines through bulk procurement, adding that they will establish and maintain a central procurement system for medicines and consumables.
Furthermore, the President shared initiatives taken under his leadership to ban vaping and create a tobacco-free generation. He called upon doctors and relevant experts to support public awareness efforts and help build a tobacco-free society.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the biggest achievement of the past 52 weeks was changing the trajectory of the economy, without risking bankruptcy.
Speaking at the official ceremony marking one year since assuming office, the President reflected on the Administration’s efforts to address the country’s financial challenges. He noted that despite baseless accusations of economic mismanagement, the Government had taken decisive steps to reverse the economy’s downward trajectory.
He indicated that International Monetary Fund (IMF) advisory report on the Maldives was published six months before the current Administration assumed office. The report, he noted, indicated that Maldives’ debt sustainability was at risk and that the country was in imminent danger of a default. The report was initially to be released on November 23, 2022, he added.
At the time of assumption of office, President Dr Muizzu said the debt stood at over MVR 120 billion. The previous approach, he added, had been to circumvent the constitutional checks on budgetary spending and supplementary budget, with this pattern observed over the previous five years.
The citizens, the President said, had trusted the “Dhivehinge Raajje” manifesto and taken it up to change the trajectory of the nation. As such, by November 17, 2023, there was a total of MVR 8.4 billion in Public Accounts overdrafts. This, he said, had led all international financial institutions to speculate that Maldives could default by April 2024.
President Dr Muizzu said that this concern was not a baseless one, as the interest payments on loans taken had increased to MVR 4.2 billion in 2023 from MVR 1.4 billion five years before.
Referring to the economic status one year back, the President said the country had to spend MVR 24 out of every MVR 100 on debt servicing; of which, MVR 16 out of every MVR 100 was interest payments.
Despite these factors, President Dr Muizzu stated that the Administration, in the past 52 weeks, had been successful in reversing the trajectory of the economy, averting a default. This, he said, was evident from economic figures and indicators.
The President said the budget for 2025 was the first ever budget of the Administration that would be passed by the Parliament and implemented. The budget for 2024 was passed by the previous administration and a Parliament that was closely aligned with the previous administration, and as such, current Administration did not have full autonomy over this year’s budget. This, he said, was a direct attempt against the present administration, indicating that even though developmental projects were included in the budget, the working budget granted to those projects was not sufficient. Despite this challenge, the President noted that significant work had been carried out in the year.
First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed stated on Sunday that the launch of the Dhivehi Gaumiyyathuge Isvaruge Office marks the beginning of a new era in fostering awareness of nationalism. She made these remarks during the office’s opening ceremony this afternoon.
In her speech, the First Lady noted that the initiatives launched by the office would inspire innovative ideas for the nation and pave the way for a brighter future. She emphasised that this moment represents a revival of nationalism, which she described as encompassing the Islamic faith, the Dhivehi language, culture, heritage, customs, and the collective memories passed down through generations.
Highlighting the moral foundations of nationalism, the First Lady underscored the importance of aligning it with Islamic principles. She called for greater awareness among Maldivians of their language, culture, and customs. She further stressed that Maldivians should be civilised, capable, and ideologically driven, equipped with the knowledge and wisdom needed to uphold national sovereignty and the well-being of the Maldivian people. She described an understanding of nationalism as vital for the nation’s survival and prosperity.
The First Lady also noted that every nation has a unique identity, and the Maldives’ identity must be rooted in its beliefs and values, forming the foundation of its national ideology. Expressing her pleasure at the office’s inauguration, she reflected, as a mother, on the importance of nurturing a generation of intellectuals who respect themselves, their country, and its values.
Madam Sajidha Mohamed officially inaugurated the Dhivehi Gaumiyyathuge Isvaruge Office, symbolising a reinvigoration of national spirit and pride. The ceremony coincided with the first anniversary of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. Reflecting on the past year, the First Lady highlighted the administration’s efforts to strengthen nationalism and expressed confidence that the newly established office would amplify these initiatives.
During the event, the First Lady also unveiled “Khidhumathuge 52 Hafthaa Foiyy”, a comprehensive review of the government’s services and achievements during President Dr Muizzu’s first year in office.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the fourth amendment to the Political Parties Act (Act No. 4/2013). The amendment was passed by Parliament during the 49th sitting of the 20th Majlis on Wednesday, 13 November 2024.
Under the new amendment, if a registered political party is dissolved as per the law, its logo, colours, insignia, and other similar markers cannot be used by any other political party for a period of five years from the date of dissolution.
The amendment also clarifies the statutes governing the registration of political parties in the Maldives.
Additionally, the amendment revises Section 35 of the Political Parties Act, requiring that budgetary allocations for political parties be explicitly included in the national budget and disbursed within the year. The allocated figure must fall between 0.1 and 0.2 per cent of the annual national budget.
The bill further addresses penalties for electoral law violations. If a political party breaches electoral laws—excluding cases involving falsified forms—the party will be fined MVR 100,000, while individuals responsible will face penalties ranging from MVR 30,000 to MVR 75,000.
The amendment comes into effect following its ratification and publication in the Government Gazette.
The Political Parties Act sets out the rules and regulations for the formation, registration, and operation of political parties in the Maldives. It also governs how parties recruit members, conduct themselves during general elections, manage funding, and handle dissolution and other administrative matters.
