Malé, Maldives — State Minister for Tourism Mohamed Nihad has been suspended following controversial allegations that the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is planning a terrorist attack targeting international tourist brands in the Maldives.

Nihad made the accusations during a ruling party rally last night, claiming that a labor union led by an MDP MP is planning to stage protests and storm a tourist resort. He alleged that the supposed plan aims to sabotage the tourism industry in retaliation for the government’s ongoing investigations into corruption and theft by the previous administration.

In response, the MDP issued a statement expressing concern over Nihad’s allegations, calling them baseless and damaging. The party urged authorities to investigate the claims and stated that such accusations could cause irreparable harm to the Maldives’ tourism industry, a critical pillar of the national economy.

The President’s Office confirmed Nihad’s suspension, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and societal harmony. “The government will not allow anyone to disrupt the stability and harmony of the Maldives,” a spokesperson said.

Nihad, a former MDP MP, was initially a vocal critic of the current administration. However, he switched allegiance to the ruling party after the MDP’s loss in the 2023 presidential election and was subsequently appointed as State Minister for Tourism.