Deputy Youth Minister Mariyam Shiuna, who is currently under suspension, has come under fire for insulting a disability rights activist.
Shiuna insulted Muawiyath Mohamed Didi for protesting against the lack of accessibility for people with disabilities at an event in Australia.
"People harass you because you behave like [Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla] Jabir in countries around the world," Shiuna wrote in a post on X.
Shiuna faced heavy criticism over the post which has since been deleted. Muwaiyath responded and said he was disheartened by the post.
Many social media users said a person who serves as a deputy minister should not make such remarks and called for action against her.
Following the criticism, Shiuna apologized to Muawiyath. However, social media users said the apology post lacked sincerity
"I did not know that he had any disabilities, and I am deeply sorry. I in no way would ever purposefully make fun of a disabled person, and this was a misunderstanding," Shiuna wrote.
But social media users pointed out that Muawiyath's account name and profile clearly show that he is a disabled person.
Additionally, the initial post shared by Shiuna had a screenshot of an article that reads that Muawiyath is a disabled man advocating for disability rights.
Shiuna and two other deputy ministers are currently under suspension for making derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X.
The suspensions are indefinite but all three will continue to receive salaries, the President's Office said earlier.
The government said the case is still under investigation and no further action has been taken against the officials that caused a diplomatic row.
