Politics
Political debates have intensified over the agreement to lease approximately 500 hectares of land to Eagle Hills for a period of 99 years under the Rasmalé project. A six-member Procurement Policy Board chaired by Mohamed Shifah has been reconstituted to strengthen and oversee the state procurement system. The Prosecutor General's Office revealed that the acquittal of Sun Construction and Sun Investment in the R. Fuggiri case was not appealed due to a lack of sufficient legal grounds. The political atmosphere was also marked by debates concerning MDP's corruption, a microphone being cut off during a City Council meeting, and political activities at President Yameen's front office gathering. Additionally, the Vice President attended the internationally held 'Rising Nations Gala'.
Major debates and criticisms have emerged across the political arena and among the public regarding the agreement to award land to Sri Lanka's Eagle Hills company under the Rasmale' project. Critics in this matter are expressing concern over the manner in which land was allocated under the agreement, as well as the potential financial and economic losses the state could incur as a result. Additionally, various parties are exerting pressure on the government, calling for greater transparency in sharing information about the execution of the Rasmale' project and urging priority for national interests when granting land to a foreign company.
During an official City Council meeting held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, an issue surfaced where Ghalib cut off Councillor Samah's microphone while he was speaking. This incident occurred while Samah was proceeding with his remarks during the opportunity granted to him to express his views in the council meeting. Following this disruption to the order of the meeting, significant discontent arose within the gathering, asserting that obstructing the opportunity to speak by cutting off the microphone is unacceptable.
On Thursday, 24 September 2026, a special front office meeting attended by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was held. While he participated in this meeting, supporters and senior figures were also present. Held at the front office, this meeting mainly highlighted the political landscape and significant matters regarding the party's upcoming activities. This was an important meeting held on that day as part of his political endeavors.
On 24 September 2026, heavy political and public criticism was leveled against the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in connection with emerging allegations of corruption associated with the party. These criticisms mainly highlighted the need for senior party officials to be accountable and for swift measures to be taken to halt actions that facilitate corruption. In addition, noting the importance of conducting matters transparently where state and public interests are involved, various parties have called for an impartial investigation into such issues. As debates in the political arena have heated up over this matter, critics are also pressing the MDP to provide an official clarification regarding it.
On Thursday, 24 September 2026, Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef attended the "Rising Nations Gala" held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Held alongside world leaders and influential figures, the event featured discussions focused on drawing attention to the threats faced by small island nations due to climate change and rising sea levels. The Vice President's participation in this meeting highlighted the Maldives' efforts to secure financial assistance needed to overcome climate change and protect the rights of small nations in the international arena.
It has been decided and announced that a Procurement Policy Board will be established to strengthen the management of state finances and procurement matters. The main purpose of establishing this board is to formulate relevant policies and oversee all stages of acquiring state assets and services under transparent, fair, and robust procedures. In addition, this board will coordinate to achieve the maximum outcome from state budget expenditures and ensure that procurement matters are implemented in accordance with designated regulations.
The Prosecutor General's (PG) Office has clarified the reason for deciding not to appeal the Sun Company case. According to the PG Office, the decision not to appeal was made due to the lack of sufficient evidence to prove guilt and because the offense could not be legally established. In connection with this decision, the PG noted that, considering legal principles and procedures, the opportunity to proceed further to a higher court in this case was narrow. With the details provided by the PG regarding this matter, the legal proceedings against Sun Company have now reached an end.