Former Prosecutor General (PG) Hussain Shameem has criticized the Housing Ministry’s decision to seek advice from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding the government's move to sell a 1,250-square-foot plot of land in Hulhumalé Phase 2 to an individual named Ahmed Zahir.
Shameem said that providing legal counsel to government agencies is not within the ACC's mandate, nor does the commission possess the legal standing to offer such advice.
In an article published on his blog, Shameem argued that the Attorney General (AG) is the sole authority responsible for providing legal counsel to state institutions on administrative matters. He emphasized that the ACC does not have the jurisdiction to advise government bodies on individual cases.
Shameem clarified that the advisory role mentioned in Section 22 of the ACC Act refers to general recommendations based on research aimed at preventing corruption. He warned that if the ACC begins advising on specific cases, it risks becoming an extension of the executive branch, thereby compromising its role as an independent watchdog.
Furthermore, Shameem contended that the "sale" of state-owned land to a private individual is a concept unrecognized by the Maldivian legal system. He noted that land can only be sold after it has been converted into private property, and that deciding to sell land while it remains state-owned is legally untenable.
Shameem observed that while the 2003 decision to sell land to Ahmed Zahir involved private property then held by the Housing Board, the Ministry’s statement indicates the current transaction involves state land designated under the "Binveriya" housing scheme.
The former PG also expressed concern over the government’s decision to publish its official press release on the matter exclusively on social media. He asserted that official state communications should be hosted on government websites, noting that relying on private commercial platforms poses risks to national security and archival integrity.
Shameem further questioned why this 23-year-old case had remained unresolved for so long. While acknowledging that Ahmed Zahir is entitled to his rights, Shameem insisted that the process must be conducted in a "legally sound" manner that avoids administrative and legal complications.
He warned that if the transaction is carried out in a legally questionable manner, the ultimate victim of any future legal fallout would be the citizen involved.
Following the exposure of the issue by the social media whistleblower account "Hassan Kurusee" and public outcry, Housing Minister Abdulla Muththalib said that the ministry would not sell land to individuals in this manner in the future. The Minister added that future decisions on such matters would be handled by the Civil Rights Office within the Attorney General’s Office.
Despite the government’s assurance that such practices will not continue, it has decided to proceed with this specific transaction. Sources have confirmed to Adhadhu that the ACC, which was asked to review the matter, has not issued any order to halt the deal.
