State Minister for Tourism, Mohamed Nihad, has been suspended following controversial remarks made during last night’s rally of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).
During his speech, Nihad, a former MP for the Feydhoo constituency, accused the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of plotting a terrorist attack as the Maldives approaches a milestone of welcoming 2 million tourists.
A senior government official confirmed that Nihad’s suspension was due to the nature of his allegations while holding a high-ranking government position.
In response, the MDP issued a statement expressing concern over Nihad’s claims and urging authorities to safeguard tourism service providers against potential fallout from his remarks.
Nihad, who was previously a member of the MDP before joining the PNC in December last year, was appointed State Minister in July.