Former MDP President Abdulla Shahid has pledged to end the long-standing dependence of the northern and southern regions of the Maldives on the capital city, Malé, and to establish a self-sufficient Maldives.

Shahid, who is contesting in the MDP’s presidential primary, made these remarks on Saturday night at the “Shahid 2028” rally held in Kulhudhuffushi City, where he officially launched his campaign under the slogan “A Self-Sufficient Maldives” (Fudhuntheri Dhivehiraajje).

Shahid stated that he would transform the country into one where the northern and southern regions can develop without having to rely on Malé for everything. He assured that this would be accomplished with investments running into billions.

Speaking about the bunkering service launched by the current government in Ihavandhippolhu, Shahid vowed to develop it in its true form during his administration. He characterized the government’s current efforts as not genuine bunkering but rather “bokaring” — describing it as a mockery of the people. He added that during his presidency, he would prove that bunkering is not merely a matter of “playing catch with two black barrels,” but rather an industry deeply interconnected with the international arena, one that can only be carried out by those who truly understand it.

Shahid also assured that the Kulhudhuffushi Port would be transformed into a genuinely profitable port for the city’s residents — an economic gateway that puts money into ordinary citizens’ pockets.

He further stated that under his government, a system would be established to ensure that tertiary hospitals, atoll hospitals, and health centres all meet minimum standards, sparing citizens the current hardships within the healthcare system. Drawing on his extensive diplomatic experience and the international relationships he has built, Shahid pledged to develop the Maldives into a self-sufficient nation where citizens would not have to beg for medicine, basic staple foods, or fuel.