South Maafannu MP Abdulla Rifau has said opposition political parties are increasingly focused on personal attacks rather than fulfilling the role of a responsible opposition in a democratic society.

Speaking on MMTV's Bodu Khabaru programme, Rifau said the Maldivian public must acknowledge the absence of a responsible opposition party in the country's current political landscape.

Rifau stated that instead of engaging in constructive political work, opposition parties have turned their attention towards personal attacks. He stressed that the role of an opposition party in a democratic society is not to target individuals, but to hold the Government accountable on matters of public interest.

He said opposition parties should focus on raising concerns affecting citizens and applying pressure on the Government to address those issues. Referring to the period when former President Mohamed Nasheed was in office, Rifau noted that political activism at the time centred on national issues such as rising living costs and other challenges faced by the public.

The MP stated that one of the key responsibilities of an opposition party is to ensure that a Government delivers on the commitments outlined in its manifesto. However, he argued that the current opposition appears more focused on obstructing the implementation of those pledges.

Rifau further claimed that the opposition's difficulties stem from the effectiveness of the Government's policies, adding that there is little substantive criticism that can be directed at the Administration's agenda.

He also stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu remains focused on serving the people and advancing policies aimed at improving public welfare, despite personal criticism directed at him. Rifau added that the President's work over the past two and a half years has demonstrated that commitment.