The President's Office has sold off items used by the Maldives' highest-ranking state officials in a public auction, opting to liquidate the assets rather than preserve them as historical artefacts.
The items sold in the auction included official desks used by former Presidents and Vice Presidents, along with several other pieces of important furniture.
Among the auctioned items were an official desk used by five different Maldivian presidents, a desk used by vice presidents, a coffee table used by former heads of state, and several high-end chairs. Additionally, telephones used on presidential desks, cabinets, and various other state properties were also put under the hammer.
The individual who purchased the desks and chairs noted that during the auction held two weeks ago, the President's Office informed bidders that the desk had been used by five presidents. They further disclosed that the vice-presidential desk had been used by former Vice Presidents Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik and Mohamed Waheed Deen.
Reliable sources confirmed that the presidential desk was first commissioned for official use by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom upon the opening of the new President's Office building. Two separate sources confirmed that the desk was later used for official business by Presidents Mohamed Nasheed, Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, Abdulla Yameen, and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
"This is a very historical piece of property that was used during the making of high-level state decisions," one source remarked.
The buyer stated that this invaluable historical desk was acquired at the auction for just MVR 12,500.
He described the desk as a customized piece crafted from expensive timber, featuring a sophisticated joinery design that requires no screws.
"According to the President's Office, this was a specialized desk imported from Poland," the buyer said.
Upon inspection, the desk was found to be in excellent condition, with the drawers functioning perfectly and the original locks still intact. However, the official State Emblem, which was previously fixed to the desk, had been removed prior to the auction.
The buyer further noted that he had informed the National Museum about his possession of such a historical artefact. However, the Museum responded that if he wished for the desk to be displayed there, he would have to donate it to the institution.
The sale of such historical items used by the nation's top leadership in a general auction raises concerns regarding the loss of artefacts tied to the political history of the Maldives.
The President's Office has yet to comment on the decision to auction the presidential desks.
Photos of additional items sold at the auction
