Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said his recent remarks made in K. Maafushi were misinterpreted and mistranslated, stressing that he did not call for alcohol to be permitted on inhabited islands.

Nasheed made the original comments during the launch of the “Heart of Maafushi” brand, where he spoke about what he described as unequal treatment between resorts and guesthouse hotels operating on local islands.

He said that under current regulations, hotels on inhabited islands are unable to provide the same range of services and products offered to tourists at resorts, which he described as an injustice that needs to be addressed.

During his remarks, Nasheed also noted that he does not limit himself to what he described as “pleasant truths,” adding that he has previously spoken on difficult issues.

He referenced past periods in the Maldives when access to education was restricted and when tourists were prohibited from visiting inhabited islands.

Following the event, Nasheed faced criticism as it sounded like he was advocating for the sale of alcohol and pork in hotels on local islands.

In response, Nasheed issued a public statement expressing concern that his comments were deliberately reinterpreted or mistranslated to convey an opposing meaning and cause harm.

He clarified that alcohol and pork are not the only services or products available in resorts that are restricted on inhabited islands, though he did not specify what other items or services he was referring to.

rejecting claims that his remarks called for changes to existing prohibitions.