Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP for Galolhu Dhekunu Meekail Naseem has called for parliament to reject the appointment of Housing, Land and Urban Development Minister Dr. Ali Haidar, alleging plans to revoke land plots and flats awarded under the previous government's housing schemes.
Speaking during the debate on next year's budget at today's sitting of parliament, Meekail urged the MDP not to issue a three-line whip to approve all of the new government's ministers, vowing to vote against Haidar in defiance of such a whip line.
"This Housing Minister, who is determined to steal the housing of the people of Male', who has set that intention and come with that intention, will not get the vote of the Galolhu Dhekunu constituency, honorable Speaker. MDP, don't think of issuing a three-line whip like that," Meekail said.
A parliament committee is in the process of evaluating the 22 ministers appointed to the new cabinet and sent for parliamentary approval.
"This parliament with the MDP majority should not allow that. Honorable Speaker, this person who has now been appointed as Housing Minister does not have my approval, doesn't have the approval of the Galolhu Dhekunu constituency, and more clearly doesn't have the approval of this Male'," Meekail said.
He went on to say that this was how President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu acted every time he gains power.
When Muizzu was Housing Minister, he sold the Gaakoshi flats, which were built by the first MDP government, at commercial rates, and canceled the awarding of flats and plots from Gulhifalhu after declaring that the reclaimed island was uninhabitable, Meekail noted.
"Every time Muizzu gets any power, every time PPM [ruling Progressive Party of Maldives] gets any power, how they're acting is to steal from the deserving and distribute to activists in their campaign and people who worked for them," he said.
Housing Minister Haidar said at a press conference yesterday that the list of recipients under the "Gedhoruveriya" scheme will be reviewed and questioned the validity of registries issued for land plots awarded under the "Binveriya" scheme.
The remarks prompted criticism from the MDP and the public towards the new government that took office on Friday.
On social media, several people alleged plans by the current administration to revoke the flats and plots and noted President Dr. Muizzu's pledge to not do so during the campaign.
