The President of Kinbidhoo Council, Ali Hussain, walked out of a public meeting with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday, citing the denial of an opportunity to address the public and express the concerns of his constituents.
The incident occurred during President Muizzu’s tour of the atolls, while he was visiting Thaa atoll Kinbidhoo.
In a Facebook post published on Thursday afternoon, Hussain revealed that he chose not to attend the meeting after being informed by phone that he would not be permitted to speak, despite having made extensive preparations to convey the voice of his community to the President.
"…I didn’t want to sit there looking pretty when I am not allowed to speak for my people, bring voice to their concerns,” he wrote.
Speaking to Sun following the incident, Hussain explained that he received the call from the President's Office around 10:00 AM, informing him of the decision, just as he was preparing his speech and materials for the President’s scheduled arrival at 10:40 AM. He expressed his bewilderment regarding the denial.
When questioned about potential reasons for the decision, Hussain, an MDP councillor, stated, "I have no clue why. I am a MDP councillor but I work with PNC people in this island, and as the President of Maldives, I’ve given every respect, and have never hindered a government project; have been fully supportive.”
ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ، ތ. ކިނބިދޫ ރަށު ކައުންސިލް އަދި އ.ތ.މ. ކޮމިޓީއާ ބައްދަލުކުރެއްވުން#RayyithunGaathah #ThaaAtollVisit pic.twitter.com/UCZcXlMR9Y
— The President's Office (@presidencymv) September 25, 2025
He further emphasized that opposition MDP councillors, including himself, had actively and diligently prepared for the President's visit over the past two weeks, a fact known to ruling PNC members and government officials.
Hussain highlighted that presidents of other island councils, both those visited before and after Kinbidhoo during the President's tour, were granted the opportunity to speak. He also noted that when he inquired with top government officials about the denied speaking slot, he was informed that the voice of the people had been heard during a separate meeting the President held with the council.
However, Hussain underscored the distinction between discussions in a council meeting and the public address of a Council President before his constituents. He stated, “I told the President directly at the council meeting that I am very disappointed for this denied opportunity in this meeting. No matter what, I have been working very well with this government, not discriminating with any service the government wishes to provide the people, doing my very best.”
While Ali Hussain’s walkout from Kinbidhoo brought attention to this issue, reports indicate that such occurrences are not isolated incidents during presidential atoll visits, with several council members having previously raised concerns regarding similar situations.