Some big companies have expressed concern over President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's call to stop the cigarette business after characterizing them as political rivals.
Some businesses saw the President's comments as a warning to independent businesses and expressed concern for "singling out" cigarette businesses.
"We are very sad. Very disappointed. Tomorrow, he may come out and say the same to other businesses. Then we wonder why he only talks about cigarettes? Shouldn't we stop selling alcohol and beef?" a businessman said on condition of anonymity due to fear of facing repercussions.
Speaking on a podcast produced by the President's Office, Muizzu said cigarette sellers are people who have opposing views to his.
"Then I look at it, and see that cigarettes are also being sold by people of opposition to us. They are also helping these protests," he said.
However, the two major cigarette companies in the Maldives are not affiliated with any political party.
The two main cigarette importers are CGT Pvt Ltd and Blenx Pvt Ltd. The owners of CGT are not active in any political party. The wife of one of the main shareholders of Blenx is Social and Family Welfare Minister Aishath Shiham.
Muizzu also called on cigarette sellers to stop the business.
"I would like to ask the people who import cigarettes and sell cigarettes to leave the business. Do something else. This is not something worth doing. This is a small country. This is not a place where millions of people live. Why should they do it here? It is better to save our small community from this," he stated.
Muizzu have faced criticism from several people, including former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer.
"People who disagree with you politically should not do business anymore. Under the law and regulations, you cannot talk like that about people who are paying taxes to the government. This shows your moral standard. Lack of quality. You are incapable of ruling the country equally and fairly. You are not capable of running a government! You need to give up the presidency and do something else," he said.
