Vice President criticizes former Home Minister over taunting remarks

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has criticized the recent remarks made by the former Home Minister Umar Naseer.

Umar Naseer, in a televised program, had speculated Maldivian citizens might resort to overthrowing the current government, implying the alleged waning popularity of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.

In response to these remarks, Vice President Hussain in a post on X, had condemned Naseer’s statement, and stressed the Maldivian citizens were not undemocratic nor uncivilized. The Vice President further said such acts of taunt is a shameless tactic.

The Vice President added that President Dr. Muizzu always welcomed constructive criticism, which should be a key trait of any president tasked with the responsibility of leading the country and its people.

Historically, all past regimes of the Maldives had faced strong opposition with large-scale protests, and some uprisings. Former President Mohamed Nasheed’s administration came to an abrupt conclusion in 2012 owing to a similar uprising. Naseer was among the lead figures in the political activities that eventually ousted Nasheed’s presidency.