In a wide-ranging press conference on 20 April, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu outlined a significant shift in his administration's approach to governance, firmly stating he will not pursue further constitutional amendments following the result of a recent public referendum and instead focus on reforming laws and key institutions.
The President, who met with journalists for over an hour, began by directly addressing the referendum's outcome.
"The people have sent a clear message from the referendum result. It is that the people do not accept or favour amendments to the Constitution. Therefore, we will not consider any amendment to the Constitution in the future," he said.
He affirmed that his decisions are guided by the public's wishes, adding that his priorities now lie in implementing necessary reforms through legislative changes rather than constitutional ones.
A central pillar of this reform agenda targets the judiciary. President Muizzu announced plans to amend laws to re-establish a Judicial Council, a move prompted by the previous administration's decision to place the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) under the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The proposed council, comprising the Chief Justice and chief judges of the superior courts, will oversee the DJA.
"The Chief Judicial Administrator is accountable to the Judicial Council and the Chief Justice. I think it is a good change in the judicial system," the President remarked, highlighting his belief that this will rectify a concentration of power and improve judicial administration.
Beyond the judiciary, the President committed to a broad depoliticisation and streamlining of the government. He vowed to end the practice of awarding jobs based on political or election campaign connections, insisting that future recruitment will be based strictly on merit, education, and experience.
"The people want a small government," he said, revealing that the government has already directed state-owned enterprises to reduce their workforce by 33 percent. These cuts, he assured, would be conducted carefully to avoid disrupting company operations or the rights of employees.
The President also shared updates on key infrastructure projects, including the construction of a hospital in the second phase of Hulhumale' and a new local market complex in Male’ City, signaling a continued focus on development alongside institutional reform.