Ministers and MPs step up nationalistic rhetoric over removal plot

The rhetoric on social media and the national airwaves has been ultra-nationalistic; the opposition is being slammed as traitors, and Maldivians are being urged to “close ranks against colonial powers,” described by some as involved in an effort to destroy the Islamic faith here.

“Even if a gun is held to President Yameen’s head and he is ordered to sign a resignation letter, he will not sign it, even if he falls dead,” Ahmed Nihan, the majority leader, declared to pink-clad members of the Progressive Party of the Maldives on the southern island of Fuvahmulah on Friday.

Adam Shareef, the defence minister, said security forces were on alert to foil any attempt at a coup d’état. “We are keeping a close watch on the political landscape. The military and government offices are connected. The army will not allow a transfer of power,” he said in the meeting televised on TVM, the state broadcaster.