Maldives govt suspends ministers for derogatory remarks against PM Modi
Maldives government on Sunday distanced itself from derogatory remarks made by its minister Mariyam Shiuna against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and suspended her and two other Ministers for their act.
In a statement following India’s protest, the Maldivian government said the ‘opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives’.
“The government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and international partners,” the Maldives government statement added.
“The relevant authorities of the government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks,” the statement added.
A massive controversy erupted after Shiuna, Maldives deputy minister of youth empowerment, made derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Modi, calling him a ‘clown’ and ‘puppet’ over his recent Lakshadweep visit. However, the minister deleted the X post soon after outrage over the remark that triggered a massive backlash on social media.
However, the minister deleted the X post soon after outrage over the remark that triggered a massive backlash on social media.
Ex-Maldivian president Mohammad Nasheed condemned Shiuna's remark, calling it ‘appalling’. Several other political leaders of Maldives also expressed similar sentiments.
Former Maldives Foreign Minister and a close ally of India Abdullah Shahid took to X to pull up the Minister and others from the ruling party.
“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
