Saudhulla claps back at MDP, denying giving “instructions” to Thinadhoo Council

North Thinadhoo MP Saudhulla Hilmy has clapped back at main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), denying he has given any instructions to Thinadhoo Council to act in a specific way.

Local Government Authority (LGA) has taken action against Thinadhoo Council amid serious allegations against the Council, suspending Mayor Saudhulla Ali and Deputy Mayor Nasulla Ali last Wednesday.

LGA took the decision after conducting an inquiry, prompted by complaints lodged against the Council with the Authority.

MDP issued a statement criticizing the LGA’s decision, claiming that the councilors were suspended over unfounded complaints submitted to the authority, allegedly because the Council did not comply with instructions from MP Saudhulla.

MP Saudhulla denied the allegations via a statement last night.

In this regard, the lawmaker condemned MDP’s statement invoking public hatred despite LGA having clearly explained the reasons for suspending the councilors in the harshest of terms.

He also rejected allegations he had “ordered” the council to act in a specific way or influenced LGA.

“I view the party speaking about a lawmaker this way—as a means to mislead the public and gain political benefit—even after the relevant government authority clarified the facts, as a disgraceful act,” he added.

MP Saudhulla underscored that MDP’s Abdulla Shahid has reportedly admitted that the statement was released without his knowledge while the party’s chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has also acknowledged that the statement was released without proper consideration.

As such, MP Saudhulla strongly questioned the standard of MDP.

Additional issues noted by the lawmaker in his statement:

• The conduct that resulted in the suspension of the Thinadhoo councilors is of such a serious nature that they bring shame to the island’s resident.
• To preserve trust in councilors and protect public assets and funds, there must be no room for misconduct like that of the Thinadhoo councilors
• Affirms commitment to any matter undertaken for the benefit of Thinadhoo residents that in conformity with laws and regulations

Notably, Thinadhoo Mayor has Saudhulla has alleged he and Deputy Mayor Nasrulla were suspended with political intent. He described their suspension as a signal of dark days ahead for the decentralization system.

Mayor Saudhulla added that the Council will undertake efforts seeking justice in this case.