In a fiery statement on Mendhuru TV's 'Mauloo' program, Ibrahim Shujau, Baarashu constituency member and Vice President of the Progressive National Congress (PNC), accused the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of intentionally mismanaging the economy during their rule, likening their treatment of businesses to "rape." He claimed that the MDP knowingly brought the country to its current state, emphasizing that their actions were deliberate rather than accidental.

Shujau recalled that in 2020, while in opposition, the PNC/PPM urged the then-government to take decisive action to protect the economy before the onset of COVID-19. However, he alleged that the MDP ignored these calls, leading to disastrous consequences. "COVID became a gold mine for the MDP government," he said, pointing to reports in 2021 and 2022 that suggested the MDP discovered more financial aid in one year than the PPM did in five.

He criticized the MDP for increasing taxes and failing to develop the country, highlighting the bankruptcy of several companies under their governance. Citing examples like Fenaka and the Road Development Corporation (RDCC), Shujau stated that essential maintenance was neglected, with Fenaka failing to overhaul its engines and using outdated filters.

Shujau also claimed that infrastructure projects were halted despite funds being allocated, stating that RDCC employed hundreds in Fuvahmulah for non-existent road projects. "This is what we call raping companies," he declared. He further accused the MDP of exploiting the COVID-19 situation, alleging that they mismanaged funds received by the Maldives during the pandemic while government officials were the only ones allowed to travel.