The Maldives government took swift action on Sunday by suspending three deputy ministers, Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Sharif, and Mahzoom Maajid, due to derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in their social media posts. This decision follows the government’s earlier commitment to address such offensive comments.
The official statement from the Maldivian government emphasized that the derogatory remarks on social media do not reflect the views of the government and are considered personal opinions. Mariyam Shiuna, in particular, faced criticism for her now-deleted post on platform X, where she disparaged Modi, referring to him as a “clown” and making inappropriate comparisons.
Former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed condemned Shiuna’s comments and urged the current administration to distance itself from such language, emphasizing the importance of India’s role in Maldives’ security and prosperity.
The derogatory posts, not limited to Shiuna, also involved another deputy minister, Malsha Sharif, who made similar remarks against India and the Maldives’ tourism campaign. These posts triggered a cascade of racist comments against Indians and Indian tourists on social media.
Modi’s recent visit to the Maldives and his social media updates documenting the trip sparked a social media battle between Maldivian politicians, government officials, and Indian users. Some Maldivians mocked India, while others highlighted the positive aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
In response to derogatory remarks by Maldivians, Indian social media users initiated the hashtag “Boycott Maldives” and pledged to avoid traveling to the Maldives for vacations. This online tension escalated following the Maldives government’s formal request in November 2023 for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation. The situation underscores the delicate nature of diplomatic relations in the digital age, where social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion.
“India Raises Concerns Over Maldives Minister’s Offensive Comments on PM Modi – Latest Updates”
India has officially raised concerns with the Maldives government regarding the derogatory remarks made by Mariyam Shiuna, the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The controversy arose after Maldivian politicians ridiculed PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep.
In now-deleted posts on X, Mariyam Shiuna referred to PM Modi as a “clown” and “puppet,” triggering a backlash on social media. The Indian High Commissioner has engaged with the Mohamed Muizzu-led government in Male to address the issue.
Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed condemned Shiuna’s comments, calling them “appalling language” towards a key ally. Despite the criticism, Shiuna repeated derogatory remarks against PM Modi in subsequent social media interactions.
Other Maldives officials, including MP Zahid Rameez, also mocked PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit, leading to calls for a boycott of the Maldives on social media. The Maldivian government, in a statement, disassociated itself from Shiuna’s remarks, emphasizing that they are personal opinions and not reflective of official views.
The statement highlighted the government’s belief in exercising freedom of expression responsibly and without spreading negativity. Authorities affirmed their commitment to taking action against individuals making derogatory remarks against PM Modi to maintain positive international relationships. Stay tuned for further developments on this diplomatic dispute. #Maldives #PMModi #DiplomaticRow #BoycottMaldives”
Maldives Government Distances Itself from Derogatory Remarks
By Shishir Gupta | Jan 07, 2024 03:46 PM IST
The Maldives government, in response to derogatory remarks made by Minister Mariyam Shiuna against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has clarified that these opinions are personal and do not reflect the views of the Government of Maldives.
In a statement, the government emphasized the importance of exercising freedom of expression in a democratic and responsible manner, without spreading negativity or hindering international relationships.
The government’s statement also mentioned, “The relevant authorities will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks.”
A massive controversy arose when Shiuna, the deputy minister of youth empowerment in the island nation, used derogatory language to describe Prime Minister Modi as a ‘clown’ and ‘puppet’ following his visit to Lakshadweep.
Despite deleting the post after public outrage, the remark triggered a massive backlash on social media. Former President Mohammad Nasheed condemned Shiuna’s statement, calling it ‘appalling.’
Nasheed expressed his dismay, saying, “What appalling language by Maldives Government official Mariyam Shiuna towards the leader of a key ally, instrumental for the Maldives’ security and prosperity.”
India promptly conveyed its dissatisfaction with the junior minister’s statement, deeming it uncalled for and unacceptable. This incident occurred as Maldivian President Mohammad Muizzu sought funds from Beijing during his trip, following visits to Turkey and the UAE.
President Muizzu’s fund-seeking journey to China, scheduled from January 6 to January 10, aligns with the junior minister’s derogatory remarks. These comments reflect the pro-Hamas sentiments of the Muizzu government, setting a polarizing tone for the upcoming Majlis election in April.
Despite the Maldivian government distancing itself from the statement, it has strained an already difficult bilateral relationship since Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, assumed office on November 17.
President Muizzu, a Sunni Salafi Muslim, won the Maldivian election with a campaign against India, advocating for the removal of Indian troops from the Maldives. Despite the fact that only unarmed crews, two Indian helicopters, one Dornier plane, and one offshore petrol vessel (all on loan) are present, there is not a single Indian army soldier in the Muslim-majority island.