Maldives This Week: 26 September – 2 October 2021

On 1 October, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) issued a statement expressing concerns over an attempt by an individual to enter the residence of Chief Justice Muthasim Adnan. 

On 30 September, the HPA announced that COVID-19 booster shots will be available for over 60 year olds and immunocompromised individuals. The Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem also extended the public health emergency announced due to the pandemic until 31 October. 

On 30 September, the opposition coalition at its 'Maldivians in Defence of Independence' rally started a petition calling on the Indian government to remove its military presence and equipment from the Maldives. 

On 30 September, the Supreme Court issued an order reminding media of the doctrine of innocent until proven guilty. The court decision comes in the case where the State has charged Mohamed Ameen, alleged to be the Islamic State leader in the Maldives.

On 30 September, the Maldives and Indian governments signed a MOU on cooperation on the Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT) system. The MOU will provide the Maldives with access to India's LRIT system and its National Data Center, to fulfil requirements under its membership of the International Maritime Organisation. 

On 29 September, Member for Kaashidhoo constituency Abdulla Jabir called to allow for non-Muslims to be able to worship in the Maldives. The parliament secretariat has said that it is investigation this call for religious freedom in the country. 

On 29 September, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported an increase in COVID-19 cases, with 141 new cases from 4,410 samples tested over the previous 24 hours. 

On 29 September, Wage Board Chair Riyaz Mansoor said that the board is studying six proposals put forward by members and that a recommendation will most likely be made to the Minister of Economic Development by 10 October.  

On 28 September, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih returned to the Maldives after concluding his visit to New York to address the United Nations General Assembly.

On 27 September, the State said that it did not plan on charging SOF in the MMPRC corruption scandal because it needed the company's cooperation in the investigation.

On 27 September, Vice President Faisal Naseem underscored the importance of having a medium- and long-term plan for health sector capacity building and training, especially with the five tertiary hospitals being established by the government.

On 27 September, Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Dr. Hussein Rasheed Hassan said at a parliament session that the government was in discussions with the EU on duty exemptions on Maldives' fish exports to the EU. 

On 26 September, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, at a virtual ceremony held to mark the 72nd Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China, said that the ties between the two countries were based on the Maldives' commitment to the One China Policy. He said that the Maldives will continue to work with China in the international arena on issues of mutual interest and to further strengthen bilateral ties. 

On 26 September, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) said that an area about a hectare large of the K. Rasfaree reef has been damaged due to a Panaman flag carrier running aground on the reef on 19 August. The EPA said that an assessment of the damage has now been completed. 

On 26 September, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih completed his official visit to New York to address the 76th UN General Assembly. 

On 26 September, mainstream media reported that President Solih's faction in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has won a majority in its Gaumee Majlis.

On 25 September, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) commenced voting in its internal election, where members will be elected to its national council (gaumee majlis). 

On 24 September, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, on the margins of the ongoing UN General Assembly. The two leaders discussed further fostering ties between the two countries, especially in the area of trade and economic diplomacy. The president also met with the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, where the leaders discussed further cooperation and fostering ties in tourism and trade. 

On 24 September, the Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) said that former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has been elected as the Zaeem of the MRM and Faris Maumoon as its President, without a vote as no other candidates had made their applications to contest for the positions. The MRM internal elections are scheduled to be held on 2 October. 

On 23 September, Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation signed agreements with NBCC (India) Limited and JMS Projects (India) Limited to develop a total of 4,000 social housing units in Hulhumale Phase II. The projects are funded under two loans, one for USD115.45 million and one for USD110.5 million, provided by the Indian EXIM Bank, under a guarantee issued by the Government of Maldives. 

On 23 September, the Health Protection Agency introduced digital vaccine passports that can be used outside the Maldives as well. 

On 23 September, Chairman of the Wage Board Riyaz Mansoor said that the minimum wage will now be decided in early October, as many proposals were still being made by board members. Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail has said that the government is not exerting any influence on the board not to make a decision and that it could do so immediately if it wanted to. 

On 22 September, Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed said that the UK has to deport former Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed to bring him back to the Maldives. 

On 22 September, Member of Parliament for Vilimale, Ahmed Usham raised concerns over articles in a proposed evidence bill in parliament allowing for courts to order media to reveal their sources in exceptional circumstances. Both the Maldives Media Council and the Editor's Guild have raised concerns over the article as well, citing erosion of media freedoms. 

On 22 September, Wage Board member Mauroof Zahir said that a board meeting scheduled for 22 September to decide on minimum wage has been delayed, signaling further delays in the announcement of the minimum wage. A civil servant protest, which commenced on 19 September, has been suspended for two days from 22 September to allow for the government to respond to their demands, which include improvements in salaries and the establishment of a minimum wage. 

On 21 September, President Solih delivered his address at the 76th United Nations General Assembly. The President touched upon the topics of climate change, the plight of the Palestinian people, and condemned all forms of terrorism. 

On 21 September, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported a record increase in COVID-19 numbers with 220 cases reported, the highest since 25 June. 

On 21 September, Adhuham Ahmed, charged for the attack against Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, confessed at trial, in accordance with a plea bargain he entered into with the State. Under the plea, he will be sentenced to 23 years in prison.