Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has claimed that regardless of what President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says about the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), the public will not believe it.

In a special interview given to RaajjeTV’s ‘Fashaairu’ morning talk show in connection with the 60th Independence Day of Maldives, Solih said that no matter what President Muizzu says about the new airport terminal, people won't believe those statements, and everyone knows the truth.

Referring to the changes made to the new terminal, Solih said that during the previous term, changes were made to the exterior façade of the new terminal and to the interior, and that this would be evident from the documents.

Regarding the duty-free area of the new airport terminal, Solih said that it was previously decided that whoever takes over the place would develop the interior.

However, he said that rumors are spreading about duty-free shops and restaurants being distributed without bidding, and he appealed not to do it that way. He also said that if it is done that way, the state would lose a significant benefit.

In addition to this, Solih has called for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) or the Audit Office to investigate the matter.

Solih has also responded to the claims being made about the roads of the new airport terminal not being constructed.

He said that while the work was being carried out, changes were made based on the advice given by technical experts at the time, and that roads were constructed with easy arrangements to avoid congestion.

Solih said that what the officials of this government are saying about the new terminal is not true, and that these are statements made to greatly mislead the public.