Mohammed Muizzoo is a Maldivian engineer and politician. In October 2023, he was elected as the President of Maldives. He is also known for his pro-China stance. He launched the “India Out” initiative during the 2023 presidential election campaign. Its objective was to remove Indian troops from Maldives. These soldiers were deployed in the country since 1988.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
Mohammed Muizzoo was born on Thursday, 15 June 1978 (age 45 years; as in 2023) in Malé, Maldives. His zodiac sign is Gemini.
Muizzu in his younger days
After completing his schooling, he moved to the United Kingdom, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Structural Engineering from the University of London.
A photo taken during Muizzu’s graduation ceremony
Subsequently, he attended the University of Leeds in the UK, where he pursued a PhD in Civil Engineering. After completing his formal education, he worked in the private sector for some time before becoming a politician in 2012. He has played a key role in designing critical infrastructure in the Maldives.
A photograph of Muizzu, when he was receiving his PhD degree
Physical Appearance
Height (approx): 6′
Hair Color: Salt and Pepper
Eye colour: dark brown
Family
Mohammed Muizzoo belongs to a Muslim family from Maldives.
parents and siblings
There is not much information about his parents and siblings.
A picture of Muizzu’s father
wife and children
His wife’s name is Sajida Mohammad. He married her on 23 June 2008. they have three children.
A picture of Sajida Mohammed with Mohammed Muizzu
A picture of Sajida and children
Religion
Mohammad Muizzu follows the religion of Islam.
livelihood
Mohammad Muizzu’s political career started after joining Adhaalath Party (AP) in 2012. On 21 May 2012, Muizzu was appointed as the Minister of Housing and Environment under the regime of President Mohammad Waheed Hassan Manik. In 2013, he joined the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA). He was re-appointed as Minister of Housing and Environment the same year after the presidential election. He gained recognition in the Maldives for implementing projects led and financed by China. He played a key role in the construction of the world famous Sinamale Bridge, which was completed in 2018. Additionally, he played an important role in the Ring Road Development Project in Male. Some other important projects under his leadership included the reconstruction of Rasafannu Beach, King Salman Grand Mosque and Sultan Park. He helped the Maldivian government secure agreements and deals with world powers such as China, Saudi Arabia, India, Britain and the US. Muizzu served as the head of the ministry until 17 November 2018.
A photo of Muizzu with the Saudi Arabian ambassador to Maldives
In 2019, he left the MDA and joined the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). According to sources, he decided to leave the MDA and join the PPM to work closely with the then President of Maldives, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
A photograph of Muizzu taken while joining the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)
He was later appointed as the vice-president of PPM and given charge of the election department. In 2021, Muizu contested the Male mayoral election on the PPM ticket. In the election, he secured a total of 9,548 votes and won by a margin of 3,791 votes over his nearest MDP rival Anas Abdul Sattar. The MDP was considered to have a stronghold in Male’ city; It was in power in the city for eleven years.
A photo of Muizzu, when he served as mayor of Male
In 2023, the Progressive Alliance coalition, consisting of the PPM and the People’s National Congress (PNC), decided to field Muizzu for the presidential election. Member of Parliament (MP) Hussain Mohammad Latif was selected as his running mate. In the first round of presidential elections, Mohammad Muizzu got 46.06 percent votes, while his nearest rival Ibrahim Mohammad Solih got 39.05 percent votes. However, none of them were declared the winner because as per election rules in Maldives, a candidate has to secure a minimum of 50 percent of the votes to be declared the winner. A second round of elections was held in September 2023 in which Muizzu emerged victorious over Solih, securing 54.04 percent of the vote. During the presidential elections, Muizzu led the “India Out” campaign, through which he conveyed his intention to remove Indian troops stationed in the Maldives after coming to power. Talking about the campaign in an interview, he said,
Sovereignty of Maldives is of utmost importance. People have decided and they do not want Indian soldiers to stay in Maldives. Therefore, foreign soldiers cannot stay here against our feelings, against our will. So, let me tell you [Indian] The Ambassador who is going to meet me said that we will have very good relations with these values.
A picture of Muizzu taken during an election rally
Controversy
Accused of forcing maid to commit suicide
In 2023, during the presidential elections, opposition parties accused Mohammed Muizzu of forcing his migrant maid to commit suicide in 2012 when he was serving as the minister of housing and infrastructure. She also claimed that the maid was driven to suicide because he often showed ill intentions towards her. However, Muizzu’s wife refuted these allegations at a rally. Said that the opposition parties are spreading false propaganda to tarnish the image of Muizzu. He further said that the police investigated the matter thoroughly and no such finding was made. He said,
Accusations of murder and rape. Even after looking at our society, we should consider at what level misconceptions are spreading. It is very sad that it has to be taken to this extent. It is really sad when they spread such rumors to tarnish someone’s reputation.”
Facts/General Knowledge
- His name is also written as Mohammad Muiz.
- Throughout his political career, Muizzu has consistently shown favoritism towards China. In a one-on-one meeting with the Chinese envoy, Muizzu expressed his commitment to strengthening ties with China ahead of the 2023 presidential election. His open support for China has faced criticism from many politicians, who believe that his pro-China stance could potentially lead the Maldives into a debt trap.
A picture of Muizzu taken at the Chinese Embassy in Maldives
- Mohammad Muizzu fulfills his passion of reading and traveling with full enthusiasm.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn