Umar Naseer says political parties deceived fishermen more than any lying husband deceives his wife

Former Home Minister Umar Naseer, now campaigning for the upcoming presidential election, has accused political parties of deceiving Maldivian fishermen more than any dishonest husband lies to his wife.  

Speaking at a campaign event on Sunday, Umar referenced the recent Fishermen’s Day protest, criticizing successive governments for misleading the fishing community over the past 15 years.  

“The fishermen of Maldives are very hardworking people. But unfortunately, a fake husband will not lie to his wife as much as they lied to the fishermen! The political parties lied to the fishermen!” Umar said.  

He claimed that political parties routinely make false promises during election seasons, such as pledging to raise the fish purchase price from MVR 20 to MVR 25, only to abandon those commitments once in power.  

“10,000 Rufiyaa whether you catch fish or not. What happened to that? Yellowfin tuna camp in the middle of the sea. A fish factory in your neighborhood. Oh, it’s funny, isn’t it?” he added.  

Umar urged voters not to trust political parties, saying their dishonesty runs deep:  

“They have lies in their bone marrow. Otherwise, they wouldn’t make such big fat lies.”  

He also reflected more broadly on the political system, noting that the birth of democracy and political parties had driven governance toward selfish amassment of wealth. Umar urged the volunteers present to recognize the reality, that citizens are being duped by instant affirmations and placations offered only to secure votes. He tied this warning to the upcoming local council elections, stressing that the cycle of deception continues at every level of governance.  

Umar proposed fully privatizing the fishing industry, arguing that governments should not be involved in drying fish, cooking fish paste, or packaging products. Instead, he said, the state should focus on regulation, subsidies, and support, as seen in developed nations.  

His remarks come amid growing frustration among fishermen. On Wednesday, the Bodu Kanneli Masverinnge Union launched a protest, accusing the government of failing to deliver on promises. Police boarded boats and arrested several protesters, while the union demanded the resignation of Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam.  

In response to mounting criticism, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced on Saturday night at the R. Dhuvaafaru Fishermen’s Day 2025 celebration that the minimum purchase price of fish has been set at MVR 16, and MIFCO has reduced fuel prices for fishermen by MVR 0.51.