Former Vice President of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Mohamed Shifaz has claimed that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has done nothing since assuming office except deceive the public.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s ‘Fala Surukhee’ programme on Wednesday, Shifaz argued that, as a tactic to influence the local council elections, Muizzu travels to every island with a cement mixer and a tent, laying foundation stones wherever he chooses. He noted that high-ranking officials accompany him for these ceremonies, despite the considerable costs involved, even though the events are limited solely to laying a foundation stone.

Shifaz maintained that these ceremonies are for show and that no actual work follows at the sites. While some may characterize Muizzu as “a joker”, Shifaz stated that the president’s acts of deception stem not from misunderstanding but from arrogance and ignorance.

Hinting that Members of Parliament have no option but to pay homage to the president, Shifaz said the government’s proposed budget indicates that any development work in any constituency will proceed only according to Muizzu’s goodwill, determined by the level of praise and adulation lawmakers direct toward him.

Reflecting on the government’s two years in power, Shifaz said that just as more than 200 projects were recently awarded without a bidding process in an apparent attempt to set a record, Muizzu will continue assigning projects without bids to whomever he chooses.

He added that the next step observed was the two best-performing companies in the country, Bank of Maldives and Maldives Airports Company Limited, being forced to carry out tasks such as installing revetments, building harbors and placing channel markers.

Shifaz pointed out that Muizzu is now running projects worth billions of Maldivian Rufiyaa through the national bank, despite previously accusing BML of attempting to stage a financial coup. He noted that although the government announced an investigation into that alleged coup more than a year ago, no information has been provided on any action taken.

Shifaz concluded by stating that even as Muizzu marks two years in office with fireworks and slow, swaying walks during his speeches, the Maldivian people remain fully aware of the state of the nation and what has happened to the country’s budget.