President's Office Denounces Adhadhu News for Distorting President Muizzu's Comments

The President's Office has issued a stern rebuttal against a news report it describes as misleading and unprofessional, accusing the Adhadhu newspaper of deliberately distorting statements made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for political gain. Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef released the statement in response to a headline claiming the President admitted to providing jobs to facilitate corruption during his election campaign. The administration asserts that the report fundamentally misrepresents the context and intent of the President's words. The controversy stems from a press conference held earlier the same day. According to the President's Office, President Muizzu was not admitting to corruption, but was instead advocating against the long-standing practice of political appointments within the civil service. During the session, the President explicitly stated that hiring based on campaign affiliations or political loyalty must end. He affirmed that his administration would prioritize meritocracy, ensuring that appointments to ministries and government companies are based solely on an applicant's education and professional experience. "Giving jobs to anyone in connection with an election campaign or a political party affiliations must come to an end in this country," the President stated during the briefing. "The people have made that clear. So I will go the same way." Spokesperson Hussain Shareef argued that the Adhadhu article crafted a narrative completely contrary to this message. He emphasized that the administration remains committed to clarifying facts and challenging unethical journalism intended to serve specific political agendas. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between the administration and certain media outlets regarding the reporting of government policy and political transparency in the Maldives.