Munavvar: No hesitation in standing alongside Yameen, ashamed to have backed Pres. Muizzu

Former Attorney General Dr. Mohamed Munavvar has expressed regret over his previous support for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, while declaring that he has no hesitation in standing alongside former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Dr. Munavvar made the remarks while speaking at a gathering in Hithadhoo during President Yameen’s ongoing visit to Addu City.

During the rally, Dr. Munavvar strongly criticized the policies and economic decisions of the current administration. Addressing the Ras Malé project agreement signed with UAE-based Eagle Hills, he noted that similar large-scale projects have been announced in other countries but have subsequently remained stalled. He stressed that the government should have conducted comprehensive due diligence into the company’s track record, including the reasons for delays or stagnation affecting its projects elsewhere, before entering into the agreement.

He also described the transfer or sale of state assets under the pretext of revenue management as a concerning development. Dr. Munavvar questioned whether the administration is unable to properly manage the national budget or is intentionally failing to do so. He further pointed to increasing public concern over the sharp rise in the prices of basic food items and essential services.

Dr. Munavvar claimed that President Yameen and his close associates are the only individuals genuinely working to bring about a change in the current administration. He argued that allowing President Muizzu to remain in office for even a short period longer could cause irreversible harm to the country.

He also called on President Muizzu to step down if he is unable to effectively govern the country, rather than placing responsibility on previous administrations. He warned that failure to resign could ultimately lead to efforts to remove him from office through legal mechanisms.

Praising the development achieved during President Yameen’s tenure, Dr. Munavvar said that no other leader had delivered a comparable level of progress. He reiterated that while he was proud to stand alongside President Yameen, he was ashamed of his previous association with President Muizzu.

"I have no hesitation or shame in standing with President Yameen. However, today, I am ashamed that I ever stood by [President] Muizzu," Dr. Munavvar said.

Dr. Munavvar initially planned to contest the 2023 presidential election as an independent candidate but later endorsed Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He subsequently served as President of the Commission established by President Muizzu to investigate the case of Yumn Rasheed, who was found injured on the rooftop after falling from the adjecent building.