PNC MPs lack integrity; yesterday they claimed the sentence was unjust, today they have forsaken the man himself: Ziyad

Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad has criticized members of the ruling PNC and high-ranking government officials, stating that their words carry no weight. He remarked that while they previously campaigned on the basis that the legal judgment against their leader was "unlawful," they have now turned their backs on the individual himself.

During Wednesday's parliamentary sitting, members debated a resolution calling on the government to disclose full details of the agreement signed with Eagle Hills regarding the "Ras Male'" project. The resolution seeks to ascertain the views of the People's Majlis on the matter.

Debating the resolution submitted by Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, Ziyad expressed grave concerns regarding the project. The member highlighted that the extent of foreign influence the Maldives would be subjected to through this project remains unpredictable. Ziyad further noted that while the project has yet to commence, its influence is already being felt within the Parliament.

Ziyad expressed grave concern over an amendment proposed by Abdul Hannan Abu Bakr, the independent MP for Thulhaadhoo constituency who aligns with the ruling PNC. The proposal, which seeks to mandate a preliminary vote before any resolution submitted to the People's Majlis can be debated, was described by Ziyad as a "frightening" development.

This resolution marks the final opportunity for us to debate this issue in such a formal manner. The core of our discussion today concerns the exercise of undue influence. I hold two primary concerns regarding this matter. However, before addressing those, it is important to note the extent of this influence: immediately following the submission of this resolution, a Member of Parliament proposed an amendment to the Standing Orders specifically to prevent us from debating it. This debate is only taking place today because of a fortunate turn of events, ensuring that historians do not look back at this resolution as the point where such discourse was silenced.

Hussain Ziyad, Member of Parliament for the Vaikaradhoo constituency.

Ziyad stated that although Hannan is not an official member of the PNC, he serves as a "body double" for the party. The member repeatedly asserted that the influence of Eagle Hills has reached the People's Majlis even before the company has established a physical presence in the Maldives.

The member stated that there are two primary concerns regarding this project. The first is the country's failure to enforce laws and regulations, while the second is that the current leadership lacks integrity and fails to stand by their word.

The Maldives is a nation that lags significantly behind in upholding and enforcing its laws, particularly those concerning foreign nationals. Another major concern is the lack of integrity in the rhetoric of our leaders. Regarding this project, the President initially declared that not a single inch of land would be leased or given away for even a single day. Yet today, he is announcing a 99-year lease. This constant shifting of positions is alarming. Yesterday, you campaigned on the basis that the court's judgment was illegitimate; today, it is the person themselves you deem illegitimate. There is an old proverb that says if you give an inch, they will take a mile. In this case, we are giving away far more than just an inch. Five hundred hectares is an area larger than both phases of Hulhumalé combined. There is a vast difference between the standard resorts we discuss and the scale of this particular development.

Hussain Ziyad, Member of Parliament for the Vaikaradhoo constituency.

Furthermore, the member stated that the standard procedure is to conduct affairs based on established laws. However, Ziyad noted that what is being witnessed today is an attempt to introduce legislation only after agreements have already been executed. The member strongly criticized and expressed concern over the government's actions, questioning how agreements could be entered into based on laws that do not yet exist.