Ras Male' project has ultimately become a kickback scheme to fund the presidential election: Mauroof

Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir has alleged that the government’s pursuit of the Ras Male' project has brought regional development initiatives to a standstill. He further claimed that the land reclamation project has been turned into a scheme to secure kickbacks for funding the upcoming presidential election.

Member of Parliament Mauroof made these remarks during Monday's sitting while debating an emergency motion calling for the disclosure of the Ras Male' project agreement, which has been kept confidential.

MP Mauroof stated that the government's singular focus on the Ras Male' reclamation project has resulted in a failure to provide essential services to the public. He noted that while various island development projects have come to a standstill, the government's top priority remains the completion of the Ras Male' land reclamation.

Furthermore, MP Mauroof highlighted that while the people's standard of living is declining and the dollar shortage persists among various other challenges, the government's primary focus remains on the Ras Male' reclamation project.

Finally, Member Mauroof alleged that the government reclaimed the land and developed the site as a kickback-driven project intended to raise funds for the presidential election.

While the Ras Male' project is being carried out as a high-priority initiative by the government, opposition members continue to raise questions over the decision to keep the project agreement confidential.