News Desk
Male’ — President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has reaffirmed his commitment to upholding Maldives’ status as South Asia’s beacon of free expression, even as he navigates personal attacks on his family. In a candid interview on the government-affiliated YouTube channel Dheno’s “Spot On” podcast, Dr. Muizzu addressed defamatory rumors targeting his children, the recent vape ban, and efforts to bring PayPal to Maldives, showcasing a leader balancing personal resilience with national progress.
Dr. Muizzu expressed deep sorrow over what he described as “heartbreaking” lies spread about his children, particularly allegations linking his family to the country’s recent vape ban. “I am also a human being. I love my family. My children are very good children, really. They pray. They have good manners. They have never done anything wrong,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with emotion.
He emphasized his preference for patience in the face of such attacks, a stance that reflects both personal fortitude and his broader pledge to preserve Maldives’ open discourse.
The Maldives holds the distinction of being the region’s most permissive environment for free speech, with minimal restrictions. Dr. Muizzu has repeatedly vowed to maintain this freedom, a promise tested by opposition-led protests and social media campaigns.
Notably, Mariam Zubair, an activist from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has publicly criticized the vape ban, falsely tying it to the president’s son. The president’s family has responded with a lawsuit against the MDP and its chairman, Fayyaz Ismail, citing severe harm to the son’s well-being, studies, and future. Aishat Azima Shakoor, the family’s lawyer and former attorney general, underscored the “serious danger” these remarks posed to the young man’s life.
On the vape ban, Dr. Muizzu clarified that discussions predated his administration and were driven by public health concerns, not personal motives. “We talked about vape a long time ago to ban it,” he said, noting its recent proliferation in Maldives. He recounted troubling reports from parents and teachers, including instances of children as young as 8 or 9 carrying vapes to Quran classes.
Petitions from schools and organizations, coupled with cabinet consultations, culminated in the ban, which he described as “the best decision for this country and the future of the country.” A lifelong opponent of tobacco, Dr. Muizzu emphasized his personal conviction that smoking harms the body, reinforcing the ban’s public health rationale.
Beyond domestic and personal challenges, Dr. Muizzu highlighted economic initiatives aimed at modernizing Maldives’ digital infrastructure. He expressed optimism about introducing PayPal, a widely used online payment platform, to support the country’s growing community of content creators and freelancers. “We have made very good progress in bringing PayPal to Maldives, and we are very promising,” he said, though he stopped short of providing a timeline.
Economic Minister Mohammed Saeed has spearheaded these efforts, engaging with PayPal officials and U.S. government representatives to navigate market entry challenges. The Bank of Maldives’ introduction of digital wallets and foreign transfer platforms last year further signals the country’s push toward financial innovation.
Dr. Muizzu’s leadership comes at a time of both opportunity and scrutiny. His administration’s economic ambitions, including PayPal’s potential arrival, reflect a forward-looking agenda for a nation heavily reliant on tourism. Yet, the personal toll of political defamation underscores the complexities of governing a free society. By choosing patience over retribution, Dr. Muizzu seeks to model resilience while steering Maldives toward a future that balances individual liberties with collective progress.
As the president navigates these turbulent waters, his commitment to free expression remains unshaken. “My people are very good people,” he said, a reminder of his faith in Maldivians and his determination to lead with both heart and resolve.
