Siyam says reports of passport suspension ‘false’

Maldives Development Alliance (MDA)’s leader Ahmed Siyam Mohamed states that the Singapore authorities did not suspend his passport, describing the media reports of the sanction against him as “baseless and irresponsible.”

 Siyam, who serves as parliamentary representative for the Dh. Meedhoo constituency, made the remarks while speaking to reporters upon return from Singapore on Friday night.

Speaking to reporters at the airport, Siyam said the Singapore government did not impose any sanctions against him, he alleged the media reports stating otherwise were spearheaded by his political rivals.

“My passport wasn’t suspended, nor was I detained or had any sort of travel restriction against me during my time in Singapore. I don’t know what that was about,” he said.

He said that some media outlets had carried the reports without seeking any comment from him or his company.

He urged reporters to be more responsible.

Siyam added that the government did not have to take on the burden of any of his debts, saying that he had enough means to repay his own debts.

He said that he had been approved loans from international banks that hadn’t even issued loans to the government, based on his credibility as a businessman.

Siyam said he had been issued loans from the European Bank, the Exim Bank, and from the French government.

“I have been issued loans that has never been approved to any other Maldivian citizen or even to the government. Based on my credibility and my history. Based on my reputation,” he said.

“I am a businessman, am I not? Why would the government have to pay [my loans]? It is I who will handle it. This doesn’t have anything to do with the Maldivian government, does it?”

The court battle remains in progress in the termination of the contract between his company and international hotel chain, Hilton.

Siyam said any comments regarding the court case will be made by his legal team.