ACC must intervene to stop President Muizzu’s decision to grant 100,000 Rufiyaa to owners of Sinamale’ and Male’ Hiya flats: Ali Hussain

Prominent lawyer Ali Hussain has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to grant 100,000 Rufiyaa to the owners of Sinamale' and Male' hiya flats—announced just ahead of the local council elections—is legally untenable. He further asserted that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) must investigate this as a serious matter and intervene to stop it.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Ali Hussain emphasized that state funds are not the President's personal resources to be spent at his whim, but rather the money of the Maldivian people. He noted, however, that there would be no issue if President Muizzu wished to assist the owners of Sinamale' and Male' Hiya flats using his own personal, lawfully earned funds.

Ali Hussain stated that the disbursement of state funds must be conducted within a legal framework, emphasizing that such processes must be rooted in principles of fairness and justice.

Is the money provided by the state considered a subsidy? Financial assistance must be extended in accordance with the procedures established by law. Under which specific legislation or through which newly passed act is the President attempting to grant this aid? Furthermore, if such assistance is to be provided, shouldn't all individuals in similar circumstances be treated equally? It is not only the residents of the Sinamalé flats who are facing hardships or dealing with structural issues. What about those living in the Hiyaa flats? What about the residents of the Fahi Dhiviriulhun (Vinares) flats?

Prominent lawyer Ali Hussain

Ali Hussain noted that President Muizzu had pledged to provide MVR 200,000 to Hiyaa flat owners, yet pointed out that this money has not been disbursed to date. Instead, he stated that the government merely extended the rent repayment period. While adjustments were made to lower the monthly rent for the next seven years, he emphasized that not a single cent has been deducted from the total amount owed. He characterized this move as a deception by the government.

Furthermore, Ali Hussain stated that the owners of the Fahi flats are facing numerous challenges, with some families still unable to relocate. He added that there are also many families across the atolls currently experiencing housing difficulties.

Ali Hussain stated that if the government intends to provide financial assistance to families in such circumstances, it must extend that support equally to everyone in similar situations. He characterized the decision to grant 100,000 Rufiyaa exclusively to the owners of Sinamale' and Male' hiya flats on the eve of the election as an act of bribery and a deliberate attempt to influence the vote. Furthermore, he asserted that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) must investigate this matter as a serious issue. He called upon the commission members to fulfill their responsibilities and take immediate action to halt these activities.

A total of 16.1 million Rufiyaa will be required to provide 100,000 Rufiyaa to each owner of the 161 apartments located across four Sinamale’ flats and two Male’ Hiya flats. This matter has now been officially submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

President Muizzu has pledged to provide a permanent solution to the long-standing issues facing the Sinamale' and Male’ hiya flats. This commitment was a key presidential campaign promise. Notably, during his tenure as the Mayor of Male' City in early 2023, the Male' City Council had already announced a redevelopment project to demolish the existing Sinamale' flats and construct 1,500 new housing units across two phases. At that time, the City Council’s plan involved the construction of 700 housing units across five towers in the first phase. The second phase was set to include an additional 800 units across five more buildings.

Despite being in office for more than two years, the current administration has failed to take any action regarding this matter.