Government refuses to disclose President's letters sent to world leaders

Aug 19, 2024, 11:57 AM
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. -- Photo: President's Office

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. -- Photo: President's Office

The President's Office has declined to provide details of letters addressed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to leaders of different countries.

President Muizzu recently sent letters to the President of China, the King of Bahrain and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

The government's Chief Spokesperson Heena Waleed refused to respond when Adhadhu repeatedly requested details of these letters.

The first letter sent by the President to a foreign leader was delivered to Chinese President Xi Jinping. The letter was handed over to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi by a delegation of Maldivian ministers on July 22.

The delegation includes Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, Finance Minister Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq and Infrastructure Minister Dr. Abdullah Muththalib.

Zameer handed over the letter to Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on August 12. The letter was accepted by the King's eldest son and Prime Minister, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Zameer is currently in Saudi Arabia with the President's letter to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. The Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) Ahmed Munawwar is also scheduled to fly to Saudi Arabia to accompany Zameer on the official visit.

The President's special letters to the leaders come at a time when the Maldives financial situation has deteriorated. MMA has warned the Finance Ministry that the usable dollar reserves may run out before the end of August.

China, which received a letter from the President, is one of the largest lenders to the Maldives. The government is working to facilitate the repayment of loans to China.

President Muizzu has repeatedly claimed that China has given the green signal to restructure debts, but the work has not started.

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which also received letters from the President, have in the past provided large amounts of free aid to development projects in the Maldives.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Next year’s budget is a “big scam”: MP Ameen

MP Ameen Faisal has condemned the government’s proposed 2025 budget as a "scam" designed to deceive the public and plunder national resources. He criticized the lack of progress on past projects despite massive state spending and accused the administration of failing to deliver on its promises to citizens.

MMA chief urges MIRA to audit resorts

MMA Governor Ahmed Munawar has urged the tax authority to audit resorts, noting that only 50 out of 150 currently pay income tax. He questioned the lack of reported profits and announced plans to tighten regulations next year to ensure more tourism-generated US dollars enter the national banking system.

Bill targets social media posts with fines up to MVR 500,000

A new bill submitted to the Maldives Parliament proposes fines up to MVR 500,000 for defamation on social media. The legislation targets both original posters and those who share defamatory content, including gestures and films. If a claim is proven false, courts must award damages between MVR 50,000 and MVR 500,000 to the plaintiff.

Alcohol can be sold in reclaimed islands under Rasmale' zone

The proposed Real Estate Bill allows for the sale and consumption of alcohol and pork on separately reclaimed islands within the Rasmale' zone. While these items remain strictly prohibited in residential and commercial areas, the new framework permits them on adjacent tourism islands to accommodate foreign residents and visitors.

Real Estate Bill grants Rasmale' Project special exemptions

The Real Estate Bill includes a provision exempting the Rasmalé project from competitive bidding and oversight by the ACC and Auditor General. This legal carve-out validates prior deals with UAE’s Eagle Hills, bypassing standard transparency rules. Future projects must meet strict investment criteria but lack the same total exemptions.

Man found dead in parked vehicle in Male'

A 41-year-old man was found dead inside a parked pickup truck in Malé on Saturday morning. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital after being discovered unresponsive. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

"Muizzu knows public would reject Rasmale' deal"

MDP leader Fayyaz Ismail claims President Muizzu is avoiding a public referendum on the Rasmalé land deal because he knows citizens would overwhelmingly reject it. Fayyaz argues the project lacks transparency and warns that future governments may be forced to alter the agreement if it proceeds without public consent.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox