Suspended Maldives minister apologises after row over post linked to Indian flag

Former Maldives minister Mariyam Shiuna on Monday apologised after a controversy over a social media post she made against the Opposition using a symbol that resembled the Ashok Chakra.

“I would like to address a recent social media post of mine that has garnered attention and criticism. I extend my sincerest apologies for any confusion or offense caused by the content of my recent post,” Shiuna wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“It was brought to my attention that the image used in my response to the Maldivian opposition party MDP bore a resemblance to the Indian flag. I want to make it clear that this was entirely unintentional, and I sincerely regret any misunderstanding it may have caused,” she said.

“Maldives deeply value its relationship and, the mutual respect we share with India. In future I will be more vigilant in verifying the content I share to prevent such oversights,” the ex-MP added.

I would like to address a recent social media post of mine that has garnered attention and criticism .I extend my sincerest apologies for any confusion or offense caused by the content of my recent post.

It was brought to my attention that the image used in my response to the…

— Mariyam Shiuna (@shiuna_m) April 8, 2024

Shiuna, who is a member of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s party, had used an Ashoka Chakra-like symbol to replace the compass on an MDP poster, along with a plea to vote for her party in the upcoming Maldivian elections.

This is not the first time that she has been in the news over similar issues. Shiuna is among the three ministers who were suspended for making derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. As The Indian Express had reported earlier, she had been involved in a social media spat over Lakshadweep vs Maldives in the wake of Prime Minister Modi’s photographs from Lakshadweep.

Ties between India and Maldives had turned frosty over the issue. The relationship had worsened in the months that followed, and the two countries had decided that India will withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives between March and May.

During a visit to China, Maldivian President Muizzu, who is regarded as a pro-Beijing leader, had said that his country may be small but it “doesn’t give them the license to bully us”, in an apparent jibe at India.

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