Mariya calls on Azim to apologize for remarks made

Former Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi has called on Male' City Mayor Adam Azim to apologize to Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members for comments she described as derogatory and dismissive of the party’s long-standing activism.

Azim, who is seeking re-election as Malé City Mayor on the MDP ticket, said at a campaign rally last night that he had “come out from under the blanket of disappointment” after the MDP lost the 2023 presidential election, and that he had restored morale to the party.

“This Adam Azim is the one who came out from under the blanket of disappointment when the party lost power and bravely won the mayoral seat for the MDP and brought spirit to the party,” Azim said.

Mariya responded sharply on X, saying Azim’s remarks belittled the courage and history of MDP activists.

She said the MDP’s “yellow army” had repeatedly shown bravery during crucial political moments — including when the party was “left with no choice but to resign” in 2012, and again in 2013 when opposition politicians were jailed after the PPM came to power.

“As a member of the MDP, contesting on the MDP ticket, you have underestimated the brave Yellow Army of the MDP and claimed that you alone are the courage of the party,” she wrote.

Mariya said Azim should apologise to party members for implying they were “hiding under blankets” in disappointment after the 2023 election loss.

“I believe you should apologize to the MDP Yellow Army for saying that you brought the MDP out from under a blanket while they were hiding,” she said.