Respected personalities deployed for political ends, sparking concern in Maldives

Concern has grown that the public perception of many respected personalities in the Maldives is being negatively altered by political decisions of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. Critics say the president is intentionally deploying figures who have served the nation with sincerity for years into partisan political roles, thereby diminishing public esteem for them. One prominent example is Major General (Retired) Mosa Ali Jaleel, a former Chief of Defence Force and national hero recognised for his role in preventing the 1988 coup attempt. After being fielded as the PNC candidate for Mayor of Malé and losing, his military dignity and stature suffered from partisan criticism. Similarly, the appointment of retired senior military officials to key state-owned enterprise positions has drawn dissatisfaction, as occurred when Major (Retired) Muhammad Najah was placed at Fenakara Corporation. Most recently, Al-Ustaz Ahmed Shakir, a respected legal figure, was appointed chairman of a commission examining the Maldives’ actions regarding the ITLOS ruling on maritime separation from Mauritius—a move seen by many as drawing another honorable national figure into politically divisive games. Observers fear that such decisions are forcing respected military and judicial figures into political competition, undermining the honor and national prestige they once commanded.