Advisor to the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, Ahmed Nareesh, has called on Malé City Mayor Adam Azim to apologise following remarks made during a recent campaign event, during which Azim stated that councillors elected to the Malé City Council on behalf of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) were incapable of fulfilling their responsibilities.

Mayor Azim, who is campaigning for a second term, made the comments while addressing supporters, also referred to the PNC’s position within the council. The remarks drew criticism from several political figures, including Nareesh, who previously served as Deputy Mayor of Malé City.

Responding to the statements, Nareesh said PNC councillors are experienced and capable of carrying out their duties, adding that they are currently undertaking council work in a manner that benefits the residents of Malé City. He said it was inappropriate to question the competence of elected councillors in a public forum, particularly given the level of respect and cooperation shown towards the Mayor to date.

He further stated that while credit is being claimed for council initiatives, PNC councillors have refrained from making public statements on the matter. He said the remarks made at the campaign event were unacceptable and called on Mayor Azim to apologise to both the councillors and the residents of Malé City at the next council meeting.

Separately, Deputy Mayor of Malé City Mohamed Areesh also expressed concern over the situation, stating that PNC councillors are responsible for carrying out much of the council’s work. He said there appears to be an effort to attribute this work solely to the Mayor, despite the council’s composition.

Areesh and Nareesh called on the public to consider the future direction of Malé City when casting their votes in the forthcoming elections on 4 April 2026.