Legal action to be taken against those calling to boycott businesses

Economic Ministry has said that the government is working on taking legal action against campaigns calling to boycott businesses.

Minister Ahmed Mohamed said today that the call to boycott certain businesses can have very dangerous outcomes, including association of businesses with political ideas.

“Businesses should not be associated with politics. The public obtains services from businesses. People of all opinions should be provided those services. These negative promotions will damage the whole country – it will affect those businesses and the entire economy,” Ahmed Mohamed said.

He said that campaigns against specific businesses will not be tolerated, and taking legal action against these groups is being considered.

“This matter requires serious thought. I will see what legal action can be taken against these groups. If possible, legal action will be taken in order to end these campaigns,” Ahmed Mohamed said.

MDP held a protest in Male’ calling to boycott businesses which had assisted the ‘coup’. They also distributed leaflets indicating the same.

Euro Store, one business included in the MDP boycott campaign, called this campaign by MDP ‘uncivilised’ and said that modern businesses should not be politicized.

“We import products of huge companies around the world. We are just the middleman. We are not the ones at the receiving end of the calls to boycott these products. Besides, responsibilities are clearly defined of the Director, and every other person in a modern company. Our customers are the general public, they do not represent one political colour,” said Ali Waseem, Director of Euro Store.

MDP has also started a worldwide campaign to boycott several resorts and hotels in Maldives. Tourism Minister Adheeb also said earlier that steps will be taken against these campaigns.