Meekail: Regime mocks ‘land from the sea’ but throws $700m into ocean amid dollar crisis
30 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 11:23Member of Parliament Meekail Ahmed Naseem has criticized the government's decision to spend $700 million on the Ras Male' reclamation project while other development initiatives remain stalled, labeling it a waste of public funds during a period of severe dollar shortages. He further highlighted that as the exchange rate continues to soar, the administration is actively attempting to suppress public discourse regarding the escalating economic crisis.
Meekail Ahmed Naseem, Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency. | raajje tv
Member of Parliament for South Galolhu, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, has stated that the government has wasted public funds by spending $700 million on the Ras Male' project.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Meekail stated that while Maldivians are facing an extreme dollar shortage, it is imperative to scrutinize the government's actions in response to the crisis.
The Member stated that the government is not executing any Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) projects. He noted that under normal circumstances, the implementation of PSIP projects ensures that foreign currency circulates within the public economy. However, Mikael highlighted that while standard projects remain stalled, the government has diverted $700 million toward the Ras Male' project.
Meekail stated that this is not an appropriate course of action for a nation currently grappling with a severe dollar shortage. He described the move as an attempt to live beyond one's means.
Meekail stated that this administration’s primary criticism of the previous government is the claim that land plots were allocated from the sea. However, he noted that after coming to power on the back of such rhetoric, this administration has instead proceeded to waste $700 million by effectively throwing it into the ocean.
Meekail noted that the dollar exchange rate reached 23 today. Furthermore, he alleged that the government is utilizing its power to enact various laws aimed at prohibiting any discussion on the matter.
As the dollar shortage in the Maldives continues to intensify, the government is facing mounting criticism over its spending on large-scale infrastructure projects.
