Maldives government suspends 3 ministers for making derogatory remarks against PM Modi

On Sunday, the Maldives government suspended three ministers, namely Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid, due to their derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The comments sparked a significant public backlash.

Earlier in the day, the Maldives government in a statement had distanced itself from the remarks, calling them ‘personal opinions’. The statement had come following India making it clear that the remarks by junior lady minister Mariyam Shiuna were uncalled for and unacceptable.

Former presidents including Mohammad Nasheed and Ibrahim Solih had demanded action against the ministers over their remarks against Prime Minister Modi.

“I condemn the use of hateful language against #India by Maldivian government officials on social media. India has always been a good friend to Maldives and we must not allow such callous remarks to negatively impact the age-old friendship between our two countries,” former president Ibrahim Solih had said.

Former Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid had also demanded stern action against the ministers. “Derogatory remarks made by 2 Deputy Ministers of the current #Maldives Government, and a member of a political party in the ruling coalition, towards Prime Minister @narendramodi and the people of India on social media is reprehensible and odious. I call on the Government to reprimand these officials,” he had said in an X post.

The derogatory comments made by these ministers have resulted in a substantial backlash on social media, drawing criticism from not only the public but also celebrities, including film stars, who have condemned the Maldivian leaders for their offensive remarks against Modi.

This unsavory incident occurs as Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu travels to Beijing to secure funds. It’s noteworthy that the Sunni Salafi Muslim leader won the November elections by garnering support under the promise of removing Indian troops from the Maldives.