President Abdulla Yameen

The rot at the top: Will President Yameen answer for corruption?

The anti-corruption watchdog has promised to question President Abdulla Yameen if required in order to conduct a thorough investigation of a tourism corruption scandal that has embroiled his former deputy, home minister and MPs. But critics are questioning the commission’s integrity.

Finance ministry prepares for administrative overhaul after strike

The ministry of finance and treasury is preparing for an administrative overhaul after President Abdulla Yameen reconstituted its functions in the aftermath of a strike by hundreds of civil servants who were protesting mass job cuts.

National carrier dismisses rumours of special jet for president

The Maldives’ national carrier’s plans to buy a new jet to cater to VIP passengers has fuelled rumours that President Abdulla Yameen, who recently escaped a blast on his speedboat, is seeking a jet for his private use.

Missing journalist’s family delivers 500 paper cranes to president

Ahmed Rilwan’s family and friends delivered 500 origami cranes, which represent peace and happiness, to President Abdulla Yameen urging him to expedite the investigation into the journalist’s disappearance.

Yameen slams Western “double standards” against Maldives

Yameen lauds India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy

“All SAARC Member States must work collectively together to deliver human security for our people, and ensure that terrorist organisations have no room to spread their venom in the region,” Yameen said.

First couple’s cash handouts to single parents spark concern

Cash handouts to single mothers from President Abdulla Yameen and First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim has sparked concerns of corruption and a return to the patronage systems of old.

Yameen appoints new police chief

President Abdulla Yameen has appointed a new police chief more than a month after sacking the former commissioner of police on an allegation of politicising the police force.

Maldives to partner with Saudi Arabia and China on mega projects

President Abdulla Yameen is looking to Saudi Arabia and China for investment amidst persisting criticism of his human rights record by western powers.

Yameen weighs in on civil liberties, terrorism and foreign influence

President Abdulla Yameen has decried what he suggested was double standards by the international community in the handling of emergencies declared earlier this month in the Maldives and France. His rare 90-minute speech weighed in on terrorism, slammed foreign interference and touched on how the Maldives can attract foreign investment.

PPM signs up two JP MPs in show of strength

In an apparent show of strength ahead of a mass opposition protest, the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives signed up today two MPs and three island councilors from the Jumhooree Party.

President’s legal affairs secretary appointed as new prosecutor general

The People’s Majlis has appointed President Abdulla Yameen’s legal affairs secretary to the vacant post of prosecutor general. Some 66 MPs voted yes to Aishath Bisham.

Who will be the next Vice President?

With the impeachment of Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, the choice of a replacement weights heavier on President Abdulla Yameen’s shoulders every day, writes S. Visham

Translation of President Yameen’s Republic Day speech

A translation of President Abdulla Yameen’s speech on the occasion of Republic Day

President Yameen lashes out at ‘bipolar’ opposition

Accusing the MDP of calling for a tourism boycott and then expressing concern over the adverse impact on the tourism industry from the unprecedented 30-day nationwide state of emergency declared last week, Yameen said: “I think the psyche or thinking of these groups is characterised by bipolarism.”

Correcting a wrong with a wrong

After a year of multiple politically motivated trials, domestic and international observers are concerned of continuing due process violations in the Maldives, especially in that of the inquiry against former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb. Correcting a wrong with a wrong will only exacerbate the erosion of rule of law in the country.

Sri Lankan sniper, hired to ‘assassinate president,’ detained in Maldives

A Sri Lankan national has been arrested on a charge of attempting to assassinate Maldives President Abdulla Yameen, the police revealed today.

President warns Maldivians to be wary of ‘traitorous plotters’

In his address to the nation on the occasion of Victory Day – celebrated annually on November 3 to commemorate a failed coup attempt in 1988 – Yameen assured the public of efforts to ensure security after a weapons cache, including firearms and explosives, was discovered submerged in the lagoon of an uninhabited island leased for resort development.

Security forces conduct late-night raids for weapons in Malé

Armed soldiers and police officers have entered at least three houses in Malé tonight in search of weapons. The ongoing raids are part of the investigation into an explosion on President Abdulla Yameen’s speedboat.

Saudi experts found trace of explosives on president’s speedboat

Forensic experts from Saudi Arabia found trace of a powerful explosive on President Abdulla Yameen’s speedboat, the national inquiry commission has said in a press statement tonight.