Maldivian Minister rejects report of suspension over remarks against PM Modi

Maldivian Deputy Minister Hassan Zihan cleared the cloud over the suspension of three Maldives Ministers on Sunday. Quoting a local media tweet, he denied a report of his suspension from the cabinet, along with other two ministers, over alleged remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it 'fake news'.

Fake news https://t.co/8w6ZPZ6mwc

— Hassan Zihan (@0xZihan) January 7, 2024

Earlier, certain media reports claimed that in a response to offensive remarks targeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lakshadweep visit, the Maldives government on Sunday suspended three ministers from their posts, a Maldives spokesperson said. Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid faced scrutiny for their online posts. 

Shiuna, in a now-deleted post on microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), referred to Modi as a "clown" and "puppet," after PM Modi posted pictures of his visit to Lakshadweep where he indirectly appealed to Indian citizens to visit the island.  The tweets were taken down following backlash on the micro-blogging site.

While Majid wished well for Indian tourism, questioned the comparison between Lakshadweep and the Maldives, suggesting India needed significant improvement in its resort infrastructure.

The tweets ignited a firestorm on social media, with many calling for a boycott of the Maldives. Maldivian officials, including MP Zahid Rameez, further fueled the controversy by making mocking remarks about Modi's Lakshadweep visit.

Rammez posted, "The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall."

Former Maldives Prez condemns Shiuna's remarks

However, former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed condemned Shiuna's remarks, calling them "appalling." He quoted, "What appalling language by Maldives Government official @shiuna_m towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. @MMuizzu gov must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy."

What appalling language by Maldives Government official @shiuna_m towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. @MMuizzu gov must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy.

— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) January 7, 2024