President Muizzu requests MPs to stop pre-screening questions and messages for public meetings

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has requested that Members of Parliament (MPs) refrain from preemptively collecting questions and messages that citizens wish to address to him during his public engagement sessions.

A People's National Congress (PNC) MP told "Mihaaru" that the President sent a message to a WhatsApp group containing MPs, asking them not to engage in this practice.

The President's message reportedly came after he learned that an MP had messaged their constituency group requesting citizens to send in questions that would be asked at an upcoming meeting with the President.

Clarifying his desired approach to the MPs, the President stated that the purpose of his meetings with the public is to give citizens the opportunity to directly ask him questions, deliver any messages they may have, or hand over any letters.

"Since some MPs are messaging and informing the public in a different manner, I request that this practice be stopped," the President's message to the MPs' group reportedly said.

Following his consultation meetings in the atolls, where he opened the floor for questions, the President is now conducting similar meetings with the residents of Malé's constituencies. After meeting with the residents of Villingili, the President also met with the residents of Machchangolhi. In both heavily attended meetings, residents questioned the President about their concerns, including housing issues, road problems, and personal grievances.

After the President answers the questions, he also provides an opportunity for individuals who wish to meet with him privately to do so after the formal meeting concludes.

Government Spokesperson Heena Waleed today posted on X, stating that claims made by some parties that questions and comments for the President's meetings must be submitted beforehand are untrue. She asserted that the citizens participating in these meetings have consistently been given the freedom to say whatever they wish to discuss.