Housing Minister Abdulla Muththalib has declined a meeting with the Male' City Council, notifying the local authority of his decision via an official letter.
In the letter addressed to the Mayor of Male' City, Muththalib said he prefers to communicate in writing. He cited the dissemination of misinformation regarding previous interactions and a lack of cooperation from the Mayor on government-led development projects as the reasons for his decision.
"Given that the Mayor has misrepresented past communications across various platforms and has failed to cooperate on government projects aimed at the development and convenience of Male'—despite discussions held in previous meetings—I believe it is in the best interest of all parties to communicate in writing rather than engaging in media stunts," the letter read.
However, during today's formal session of the Male' City Council, Mayor Adam Azim countered these claims, asserting that he has had no verbal or face-to-face discussions with the Minister to date because Muththalib has consistently refused to grant him an audience.
"I have not participated in a single meeting with the Minister so far because he has not made time for me. The public needs to be clear on this. We have not spoken verbally or even over the phone, as he does not answer my calls," the Mayor stated.
Azim further remarked that it is unacceptable for a cabinet minister to refuse to meet with elected representatives of the people. He noted that while the Council has sent numerous letters to the Housing Ministry seeking information, those inquiries remain unanswered.
The standoff follows a move last Wednesday where all members of the Male' City Council marched to the Housing Ministry after their repeated requests for meetings and written clarifications went ignored.
At the time of that visit, the Housing Ministry informed the 17 councillors and Mayor Adam Azim that a meeting with the Minister would be scheduled for this week. However, Muththalib has now officially rescinded that commitment by refusing to meet the Council.
