President alleges coup attempt, vows action against instigators

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has last night alleged that a coup attempt was made in relation to Sunday's later repealed decision by the Bank of Maldives (BML) to disallow foreign transactions. He asserted that all those found to be behind the coup attempt would be brought to justice.

Speaking last night at a party hub meeting of ruling People's National Congress (PNC), the President said that he had worked to find a resolution for the Bank issue alongside his ministers as soon as he had become aware of the situation. He reiterated that the bank's decision had been against his advice.

He said that many had raised questions as to why a government-majority holding bank had made such a decision against government advice. However, most people were unaware that BML's Board of Directors does not have a government majority at this time, he said.

The President noted that the government had received assistance from many in their efforts to reverse the bank's decision on Sunday.

"As of now, there's only four government directors there. The remaining five directors are not government aligned. So we don't have a majority yet. We have nominated two directors, but it will take a couple of weeks for them to be appointed through the existing procedures there. Even the Chairman has not been appointed yet, the name has been sent," the President said.

"However, from amongst private directors, Champa Mohamed Moosa and Hussain Afeef offered a lot of assistance. It is through their help, and through them talking to directors that represent them, and through the work our cabinet did from morning onwards, that we were able to revoke [BML's decision] by evening," the President said.

The President alleges that this was a calculated coup attempt by a select group of people. He said that as there are factors indicating this, the Police have now commenced investigations into the matter.

"What happened here, anyone of sound mind will be able to join the dots when you think about it. This, as Shiyam has also said, was doubtless an attempted coup," he said.

The President assured that he would not exert any political influence over the Police. He said that if Police investigate this matter, and find out those behind the act, they can be brought to justice.

Police also released a press statement last night confirming that they have commenced investigations into the alleged coup attempt.