Settlement committee dissolved as President decries unfair payouts

Nov 22, 2023, 8:31 AM
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at a cabinet meeting. -- Photo: President's Office

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at a cabinet meeting. -- Photo: President's Office

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday dissolved a settlement committee formed to resolve disputes with private parties over government contracts and pay compensation.

Attorney General (AG) Ahmed Usham advised that rules set on November 28, 2022 under the name “Procedure to follow in resolving disputes related to agreements formed between the government and private parties” had been enacted in the absence of a legal framework, the President’s Office said.

The procedure had also been followed without any legal power, the AG advised.

“…In the advice from the state’s Attorney General to the President regarding this procedure, in addition to noting that this procedure had been formulated without a legal framework and without legal power, it was also noted that matters such as providing monetary compensation to various parties in the name of resolving disputes under this procedure had been carried out without any participation or counsel of the Attorney General’s office and in violation of article 133(c) of the constitution,” the President’s Office said in the announcement on the dissolution of the settlement committee.

Five cases had also been settled out of court without reference to arguments made by the Attorney General during court proceedings, according to the President’s Office statement.

Sharing the statement on dissolving the settlement committee on social media X, President Muizzu said “illegally and wrongfully providing compensation from public funds should not have been done at all.”

Comments

Read More

Latest News

MDP to stage protests if referendum is not held on Rasmale' deal

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has passed a resolution to launch mass protests if the government does not hold a public referendum regarding the Rasmalé project. The opposition demands a halt to the project, citing concerns over secret financing and the potential sale of the site to a foreign businessman.

Nasheed announces full support for Rasmale' project

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has declared his full support for the government's plan to sell part of the Rasmalé project to a UAE businessman. Despite opposition within the MDP calling for a public referendum, Nasheed argues the investment will yield long-term benefits for the Maldives. He remains the sole party member against the move.

Chinese Ambassador applauds Muizzu's successful Pakistan trip

Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua praised President Muizzu’s successful state visit to Pakistan, where 20 agreements were signed to boost bilateral trade. The meeting between Chinese and Pakistani officials highlights strengthening ties, which India is monitoring closely given the regional dynamics and its own financial support to the Maldives.

Defence Minister visits the UAE embassy

Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed met with UAE Chargé d'Affaires Heba Al Jneibi to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. The visit follows controversy over a deal to sell 500 hectares of the Rasmalé reclamation project to UAE-based Eagle Hills. This move contradicts President Muizzu’s earlier pledge to keep the land under local ownership.

Commission formed to investigate the alleged sale of territory

President Muizzu has formed a commission to investigate the alleged sale of Maldivian maritime territory during a boundary dispute with the Chagos Archipelago. The inquiry will examine potential legal negligence by the previous administration and recommend actions against those responsible to prevent future occurrences.

Boating Association demands probe over diver altercation

The National Boating Association of Maldives has called for a formal probe into a viral video showing an underwater physical struggle between two diving teams. The NBAM condemned the incident and urged authorities to investigate the ownership and regulatory compliance of the vessels involved to protect the industry's reputation.

Five injured after gas cylinder explosion at Hulhumale’ cafe

Five people were injured, with four hospitalized, after a gas cylinder exploded at a cafe in Hulhumale' Phase 1. Emergency teams responded to the resulting fire near the Ruhgandu 1 area. Police are currently investigating the cause of the blast.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox