Cabinet responds to MDP President's criticism

The current cabinet has come out in defense of the administration following Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid's recent allegations.

During his visit to Meemu atoll Raiymandhoo as part of the ongoing campaign efforts by the opposition party, Shahid posted a video message alleging the current administration has stopped developmental initiatives across the country regardless of the size and population of these islands.

Shahid, in his video, said the water and sanitation project of Raiymandhoo reached 90% completion while the powerhouse project was nearing its completion as well. He claimed all ongoing projects of the island were stopped by the current administration.

Abdulla Muththalib, the current Minister of Infrastructure responded to the video message claiming the project was signed ahead of the presidential election, simply to secure votes. He added that the environmental impact assessment (EIA), required before project commencement, was not completed even by the culmination of the former government.

Muththalib further claimed the water and sanitation project in Raiymandhoo had stalled during the previous government, and said the project that launched two years early had only observed 26% completion so far.

"Despite Fenaka Corporation lacked the resources to sufficiently address the growing portfolio of projects, the government's decision to contract Fenaka for the project in the island is gross negligence of the previous administration," he added.

Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihusan, defending the current government, argued the public did not re-elect the MDP-led government at the last election since it was frustrated with the former administration's direction.

"State owed MVR 9 billion to the public, all of which were initiated in the name of developmental projects. A building originally costing MVR 12 billion was contracted for MVR 39 million, so is this the correct conduct?" Ihusan said.

The Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef, had also chimed in highlighting the discrepancies of the projects launched by the former administration. He highlighted Raa atoll Alifushi airport development project stopped during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government, and added Raa atoll Hulhudhuffaaru roads were damaged during the previous regime.

"President [Muizzu] is currently seeking all potential avenues to restart the stalled and halted projects, and we are closely monitoring and inspecting the conditions of these islands to expedite the projects," Adam Shareef said.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed backed Shareef's argument, and said several projects had stalled before the current government took charge. He said the current government has worked on relaunching all stalled projects ever since.

Earlier in January, Shaheem announced his ministry owed MVR 27 million to various contractors; all incurred during the previous government.

The Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, Adam Naseer Ibrahim, was another of the cabinet ministers to respond to Shahid's criticism. The minister said truth about Raiymandhoo's stalled sanitation project was clear, adding it had stalled due to the previous government.

"The projects would be executed, and completed by President Muizzu's administration," Naseer said on X.

Both Minister of Health Abdulla Khaleel and Minister of Higher Education Dr. Mariyam Mariya alleged the former government's officials were making false accusations.

"Regardless of the size of and popualtion in the islands, the former government had misled the public. They had purported developmental projects at the expense of state companies facing bankruptcy! Several sub-contractors of these state corporations have not been paid, and were facing financial losses," Mariya commented.

The tensions between MDP and PNC appear at an all-time high with the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 21st; from which both parties are trying hard to emerge as the victor.

President Muizzu launched a door-to-door campaign last week endorsing PPM and PNC candidates for the parliamentary election, while MDP leaders and former President Solih launched their campaign activities as well.