State Minister at the Ministry of Tourism, Mohamed Nihad, has been suspended following controversial remarks made during a rally held by the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) last night.

During his speech, Nihad, a former MP for Feydhoo constituency, alleged that the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) was planning a terrorist attack as the Maldives approaches its milestone of welcoming 2 million tourist arrivals.

A senior government official confirmed that Nihad's suspension was due to the nature of his comments, which were deemed inappropriate for someone serving in a senior government position.

In response, the MDP released a statement expressing concern over Nihad's allegations. The party called on authorities to prioritize the safety and protection of tourism service providers, emphasizing the potential harm such remarks could cause.

Nihad, who previously belonged to the MDP, joined the PNC in December last year and was appointed as a State Minister in July. The suspension highlights the government’s effort to maintain accountability and professionalism within its ranks.