Thursday
21st Nov 2024
Dhivehi Edition
People's Majilis
MP Azaan Urges Halt to MDP Government's Compensation Decisions Amid Allegations of Misuse of Public Funds
MP Azaan, Photo: Majilis.
Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azaan has raised serious concerns regarding the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) government's handling of compensation, alleging misappropriation of public funds. Speaking during a session of the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, Azaan emphasized the need to prevent further implementation of compensation-related decisions taken by the previous administration.
Azaan pointed out that out-of-court settlements should ideally be resolved through judicial procedures and questioned the fairness of compensating companies via committees formed by different groups. He cited a specific case involving the former Minister of Economy, Fayyaz Ismail, and a company named Exotic Properties, which allegedly benefited from an out-of-court settlement related to a cancelled island lease.
The case in question revolves around the lease of Raafushi Island, which was revoked by the Ministry of Tourism after Exotic Properties failed to meet construction deadlines. Despite this, the MDP government allegedly compensated the company by granting a 99-year lease for Noonu Ekulhivaru Island, a decision Azaan deemed unnecessary given the company's failure to challenge the cancellation in court.
Azaan further alleged that another company linked to Fayyaz's family, Blue Lagoon, received three islands as compensation for a single cancelled lease. He expressed concern over the MDP government’s practice of awarding state assets, including islands, without following proper legal procedures.
Azaan proposed that the Public Accounts Committee investigate these actions thoroughly and submit a report to relevant state authorities. He also highlighted that the Attorney General's Office had already blocked the implementation of 10 settlements under review, following the dissolution of the settlement committee in November last year, shortly before the change in government.
Azaan concluded by urging the suspension of these compensation decisions, asserting that they were politically motivated and detrimental to the nation's public resources.