MP Meekail: Govt aimless, still on ‘training wheels’

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration remains on “training wheels”, with its actions appearing to lack any aim or planning, says Meekail Ahmed Naseem, a lawmaker from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

He made the remarks while presenting an emergency motion at the Parliament on Monday morning, accusing the government of infringing on the rights of taxi drivers by obstructing a rally in Hulhumale’ on December 11, and detaining them and towing their vehicles.

The Parliament, in which the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) holds a supermajority of seats, accepted the motion for debate.

During the debate, Meekail said that President Muizzu’s administration has been rolling back civil liberties since it took office in 2023.

He said that taxi drivers had been forced to abandon their source of livelihood and take to the streets in protest because of the government’s poor policies.

He also accused Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen of making contradictory statements to the Parliament and to taxi drivers.

Meekail said that this practice of taking U-turns on promises is prevalent across the administration.

“Honorable Speaker, this Parliament has repeatedly seen cabinet ministers and the President himself sending documents to the Parliament and then staging a reversal the very next week. Starting initiatives without any planning or aim, I believe we can all see the government is operating on training wheels,” he said.

Meekail called on the government to listen to the concerns of both taxi drivers and customers, and formulate holistic policies.

During the debate, Meekail called Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla – who is rumored to be at odds with President Muizzu – a “lame-duck Speaker.”

“He himself is uncertain as to when he will be removed from his seat,” said Meekail.

Meekail said that the actions of the government is in violation of the constitution and the spirit of the laws of the country.