Shujau: PNC’s “true governance” phase is nearing; will make party members happy

Ruling People's National Congress (PNC)’s Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau, on Thursday night, remarked that the party’s "true governance“ phase is nearing, adding that the country will soon begin experiencing meaningful and positive transformation.

Speaking at a rally held to celebrate the PNC's victory in the Ha. Filladhoo council election earlier this month, Shujau affirmed that the party’s leadership would act with sincerity and dedication to deliver the change the nation deserves.

"What begins next will be the true governance phase of PNC. As this era of governance unfolds, our beloved party members across the atolls will feel a deep sense of joy. Change is coming — and it will be positive change. Our party's grassroots must be ready for that change. God willing, our party's leadership will stand alongside the people with utmost sincerity and commitment to deliver that transformation," Shujau said.

Speaker further, Shujau noted the government had repaid USD 925 million in loans within this month which were inherited from former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration.

Shujau attributed the slow progress of development projects across the islands to the burden of honoring these debts. He argued that the liabilities left by the previous administration had placed significant strain on the public and had constrained the government's capacity to expedite development efforts.

"That is why we feel deeply moved — it weighs heavily on our hearts. And that is precisely why I want to say: we do not want the kind of 'change' they speak of," Shujau said, in an apparent reference to the "Bodu Badhalu" (Big Change) reform agenda promoted by former president Mohamed Nasheed and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s former chairperson Fayyaz Ismail.

Criticizing Nasheed and MDP, Shujau stated that Maldivians fundamentally seek to live peacefully in "Dhiveheenge Raajje” (Maldivian’s Maldives) He characterized the notion of "Aneh Dhivehi Raajje" (Other Maldives) as a troubling vision — one in which state assets could be disposed of without accountability, and where borrowing would continue without a sustainable repayment strategy.

Turning his criticism toward the Solih administration, Shujau remarked that the "Jazeera Raajje" had become a "flesh-eating Maldives," alleging that loans had been secured by pledging key national assets.

Shujau further noted that Maldivian government had generated MVR 750 million in revenue from bunkering operations, and expressed confidence that if the country establishes a dedicated port within the next three years, it would be well-positioned to outperform neighboring nations.

He added that public now enjoys reliable access to foreign currency, cooking gas, and essential food supplies. He also pointed out that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has taken measures to ensure that individuals with special medical needs receive their medications within a two-week timeframe.

"So, to them [MDP], all I have to say is: 'LOL,'" Shujau concluded.