People’s National Congress (PNC) Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah has said the current Administration fully upholds the separation of powers, adding that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu does not interfere with the Parliament or the judiciary.

Speaking at the PNC’s rally tonight, Falah said President Dr Muizzu’s hard work has strengthened the State and restored confidence in governance. He said the large turnout at the rally was a clear response to the accusations made by the opposition, noting that thousands had gathered to show their support for the President and his policies.

Falah criticised the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government, saying its five-year term under the “Jazeera Raajje” slogan had caused significant damage to the country. He accused the former administration of using the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to suspend judges and weaken the judiciary, and also alleged that millions of dollars in Covid-19 aid were diverted to accounts belonging to government officials at the time.

He said more than MVR 200 billion was approved in national budgets during those five years, yet little was done to benefit the people.

President Dr Muizzu, he said, came into office with important policies and a strong determination to solve the country’s major challenges. The President visited every inhabited island in the Maldives, meeting local councils, Women’s Development Committees, and institutions to understand the real needs of the people. These consultations shaped next year’s budget, which was prepared as a programme-based budget. Falah added that future governments are likely to follow the same format.

Falah also highlighted several key services established under the current Administration, including ATM services in every inhabited island and the introduction of passport and ID card issuance services in all atolls. While the opposition dismissed these as minor changes, Falah said the public recognises their importance.

In addition, he noted that true national independence requires a capable military and a State strong enough to ensure food security, both of which he said were weak when the President took office. He stated that President Dr Muizzu’s efforts have significantly improved these areas.

Falah remained critical of the opposition throughout his speech, stating that opposition parties are working against the interests of the people and attempting to obstruct the Government’s development efforts.