State Minister at the Ministry of Tourism Mohamed Nihad has been suspended for making claims that the opposition was planning to forcibly enter tourist resorts – Presidential Spokesperson Heena Waleed announced the suspension following Nihad's inflammatory remarks at a political gathering on December 23.

Speaking to MMTV, Heena said the action was taken because Nihad's statements were seen as potentially damaging to tourist confidence, particularly as the Maldives approaches its target of welcoming two million visitors this year.

During a Progressive National Congress (PNC) gathering last night, Nihad had alleged that the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) was plotting to storm resorts near Malé using boats and loudspeakers, despite being denied permission for political meetings at these locations.

The swift disciplinary action against a sitting minister signals President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's commitment to protecting the tourism sector, which remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy.