Government's project implementation is merely a front for theft: Mauroof

Mauroof Zakir, the Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, has accused President Muizzu’s administration of using development projects as a pretext for corruption and theft.

During Tuesday's parliamentary sitting, MP Mauroof spoke during the debate on a resolution regarding the "The Maldives Pearl Residence" program, which facilitates long-term residency permits for foreigners. He stated that while the resolution calls on the government to immediately suspend the policy and disclose all related details to Parliament—as well as to gauge the sentiment of lawmakers on the matter—any government attempt to block this inquiry suggests underlying irregularities.

Mauroof stated that since its inception, this administration has been announcing projects under the guise of generating state revenue without following any established rules or procedures. Sharply criticizing government policies, he further noted that what the administration is doing in the name of development projects is committing theft and misappropriating state funds.

The only reason to withhold this information from the public is if there is something to hide. Since the beginning of this administration, we have witnessed projects being initiated without any established rules or procedures, solely as a means to generate funds for the state. However, what is fundamentally happening is that these projects are being used as a facade for embezzlement.

Mauroof Zakir

Mauroof highlighted that despite the government's substantial expenditure on purchasing drones, the Maldivian public has seen no tangible benefit. He stated that millions of dollars from the state budget have been wasted on this endeavor. Furthermore, reflecting on the country's economic situation and the prevailing dollar shortage, Mauroof argued that spending $800 million on the Fushidhiggaru Lagoon reclamation project is inappropriate given the current circumstances. He also questioned the actual benefits such a project would bring to the general public.

Mauroof has expressed deep concern over the ongoing project to sell long-term residency permits to foreigners in the absence of a governing legal framework. He stated that while he does not oppose the creation of legislation for such matters, large-scale projects of this nature must be conducted within robust principles and standards established by law. Furthermore, he emphasized that the potential impact and consequences of such programs on Maldivian citizens must be clearly understood. Mauroof also described the possibility of foreign investors being granted Maldivian land and subsequently being allowed to sell it as a matter of serious concern.