‘Won't Hesitate to Take Action’: Maldives Govt Distances Itself From Minister's Remark Against Modi

The Government of Maldives has distanced itself from the derogatory remark made by its minister Mariyam Shiuna against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The ‘opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives’, an official statement issued by Male on Sunday said.

The government asserted that it believes freedom of expression should be “exercised in a democratic and responsible manner” and said that relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks.

Earlier today, a tweet by a Maldives minister triggered a row on social media, in which he accused India of targeting his country, and claimed India faces significant challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism.

The tweet came days after PM Modi’s visit to the Lakshadweep archipelago, comprising 36 islands with an area of 32 sqkm.

Maldives Government’s Statment

The statement said that the Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms “against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals.

“These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives,” it said adding that 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.”

Moreover, the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks, it added.

The Controversy

A massive controversy erupted after Shiuna, who is the island nation’s deputy minister of youth empowerment, called PM Modi a ‘clown’ and ‘puppet’ over his recent Lakshadweep visit.

After the controversy erupted, Indians reportedly cancelled their trips to the island nation. This incident seems to have triggered a ‘Boycott Maldives’ outcry on social media, with some ministers of the island country shaming Lakshadweep after many saw it as an alternative to the Maldives.

This row comes amid strained ties between the two countries following President Mohamed Muizzu’s ascent to power in November last year.

Muizzu, from the Progressive Alliance – a coalition of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People’s National Congress (PNC), is considered pro-China.

His opponent former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had good ties with New Delhi and the bilateral relations progressed between the two nations under Solih’s rule. Muizzu is a close associate of former Maldives President Abdulla Yameen, who is known for his pro-China stance.

Muizzu is scheduled to visit China on Monday, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.