Cannot accept the First Lady meddling in government affairs: Nadhira
The Housing Ministry has revealed 661 flat winners were chosen, from 15,000 applicants
Deputy leader of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's faction of the Progressive Party of Maldives
Aminath Nadhira, deputy leader of one faction of the divided ruling party, has stated that the Maldives' Constitution does not recognize the First Lady "meddling" in government affairs.
Nadhira made the statement on Tuesday night, speaking at a panel discussion by the joint opposition.
While Housing Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has denied that the First Lady's office had phoned applicants, to make sure of their political allegiance, Nadhira said that the people do not believe Muizzu.
She also noted that "it is clear even from the housing minister's comments, that it was the First Lady's office that made the fourth phone call," adding that the winners of the flats were confirmed after this phone call.
Furthermore, speaking regarding a recent press conference held by Muizzu, Nadhira said that the fact that he took time from the press conference, to praise the First Lady "is not acceptable".
"There are no laws that recognizes a first lady meddling in government affairs. However, what we are seeing is minister praising the first lady during press conferences" she said.
She said that the minister "should have used the time to inform the public, instead of hinting that the people should accept whatever is being done by the government".
The factors that were considered in choosing flat winners were; living conditions, family income and the number of children or dependents.
The government has been facing backlash since announcing the flat winners last week, especially with its decision to withhold information regarding the recipients and the point system.
While the Housing Ministry has revealed 661 flat winners were chosen- from over 15,000 applicants- they only opted to only release their form numbers.
