Mohammed Muizzu, the President of the Maldives, seems to have shot himself in the leg. After winning the Presidential election on anti-India and pro-China plank, Muizzu misread the signals back home in his eagerness to endear himself to the Xi Jinping administration in Beijing. His brazen anti-India sentiments have upset the Modi government in New Delhi, triggering panic among the Maldivian opposition parties and the business community.
Modi’s lightning visit to Lakshadweep, the publicity it generated and the subsequent developments in the Maldives have become a big talking point across the Indian Ocean island nation, dividing the nation’s politics and raising questions over Muizzu’s ultra foreign policy.
After the recent ruckus in the Parliament where the MPs backing Muizzu and those from the opposition came to blows, the Capital Male is abuzz with rumours that the newly elected President may be ousted soon.
NO CONFIDENCE
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of former President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih and The Democrats of another former president Mohammed Nasheed together have 56 MPs in the 87-member Parliament.
The opposition, which controls the Parliament or Majlis, has already collected the signatures of more than 34 MPs against Muizzu. They are hopeful of unseating him, if the no-confidence motion against him is tabled in the Parliament.
Describing Muizzu’s pro-China stand as reckless and suicidal, the MDP and The Democrats want to restore normalcy between the Maldives and India.
An opposition leader, who did not want to be identified, spoke to News18 from Male, expressing fears over the course of action by Muizzu. “Dealing with China is a one-way street. Muizzu can’t return from that. India has always been our closest neighbour and ally. We can’t change that overnight. This kind of reckless behaviour will have far-reaching consequences. We have to save the Maldives from Muizzu", he said.
He also added that Muizzu has sent goons to threaten opposition MPs who might vote against him. “His goons are all over. He knows he will lose in a free and fair voting. He wants to save his chair at any cost," he said.
BIZ COMMUNITY WANTS INDIA FIRST
The business community of the country has been friendly with India and it fears the China first policy will detrimental to its interests.
“A majority of businessmen prefer India over China. We have an old and robust trade relationship with India. We want to continue that. Understandably, the Indian government is upset and it will ruin the business atmosphere here," a Male-based business leader told News18.
India’s lead Bank, the State Bank of India (SBI), has a strong presence in the Maldives and controls a big chunk of business. Many depend on SBI for all kinds of banking needs.
“If the SBI leaves the Maldives, many businessmen will be on the streets. Muizzu does not know anything about economy or trade. He is blindly going with China. The country will pay for his stupidity," he said.
THE CHINA FACTOR
According to an insider, Muizzu has already invited several Chinese trade delegations and his close aides are busy cutting deals to line their pockets. “None of them understands business. This will bring us ruin," he said.
According to another insider, China has paid US Dollar 5 million (Rs 40 crore) to Muizzu for the Presidential campaign. “He is expecting more from China. He thinks he does not need India. He is a fool to think like that," he said.
Most people agree that India is a regional super power and the Maldives should always align with New Delhi keeping future in mind. “We never thought that situation would descend into chaos so quickly. Muizzu is playing with the fire. The Dragon will swallow him soon", said another business facilitator.
Fearing loss of power, Muizzu is aggressively trying to save his position, even trying to unseat the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament who will play a decisive role during the no-confidence motion.
India and Sri Lanka have been two closest neighbours and allies of the Maldives for centuries. India maintains the largest diplomatic mission in Maldives.
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