President of the Maldives Blind Association, Hussain Shareef, has criticised remarks made by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid, describing them as offensive towards visually impaired individuals.

The response follows comments made by Shahid at an MDP event, where he criticised the current Administration using a comparison that was perceived as referring to people with visual impairments.

Responding to the remarks, Shareef said such statements amount to ridicule and are unacceptable, questioning the intent behind the comparison and stating that individuals from all political backgrounds should reject such language.

He added that such views reflect a lack of understanding of visually impaired persons, noting that individuals with visual impairments continue to carry out daily activities, including attending prayers, with capability and independence.

Shareef also questioned the broader implication of the remarks, saying that those with sight should reflect on their own actions, while emphasising the need to uphold dignity and respect towards persons with disabilities in public discourse.