Public Finance Committee to probe rumor F. Atoll being “sold”

Public Finance Committee of People’s Majlis has made the decision to probe rumor F. Atoll is being “sold” to Saudi Arabian government.

Request to probe the allegation was raised by Parliamentary Group Leader of Maldivian Democratic Party, MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu).

Ibu requested to investigate whether the government had planned any initiative by handing over F. Atoll to the Saudi government, and that details of such a project, if planned, be shared with the committee.

Members of the committee debated over the request and voted in favor of probing the issue during the meeting held this Monday.

Some of the Progressive Party of Maldives lawmakers who debated over the request alleged it was an attempt by the opposition to derail government’s development initiatives and polarize the nation.

Other PPM lawmakers said they did not see any issue with the committee probing the issue.

And said finding out about the benefits of such an initiative will soothe concern being expressed by the people.

Opposition members said it was imperative that People’s Majlis members be privy to details regarding such major projects.

After hearing the opinions of the members of the committee, chairman of the committee, MP

Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik said that talk of F. Atoll being sold was just gossip which had the potential to cause long-lasting negative impact to the country.

“…It will be decided by the People’s Majlis. Because no such project can be designed and carried out in any way other than what is decided by the representatives of the people,” said Nihan, who is Parliamentary Group Leader of PPM.

Nihan said that, nevertheless, information regarding any such project, if in the plans, will be obtained for members of the committee.

“It’s only an outline of a vision. So if the government takes any step beyond, it will be done with the permission of us all,” he said.

Nihan said that the opposition would not be sidelined when making such a crucial decision as it would lead to hurdles, further down the road.