In a political showdown, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has addressed Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim’s allegations regarding the government’s intervention in the sale of K. Vaaveddhi lagoon, which was allocated to his Villa Group. The president, speaking on Sunday, categorically denied any interference and reiterated his commitment to operating within the boundaries of the law.
Qasim Ibrahim had voiced his discontent during the JP council meeting held at Paradise Island Resort on Saturday, accusing President Solih of influencing and halting the sale through the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The JP leader questioned who had the power to impede the sale and asserted that the president’s authority would be rendered ineffective once the Supreme Court made its decision, citing the constitutional framework.
Expressing his frustration, Qasim emphasized, “I can’t stand this level of transgression. It’s too much. It’s more than enough. You have to go back. Now go home. Very clearly I’m saying, go home now.”
The JP alleges that the suspension of the lagoon sale was a deliberate move to impede the party’s participation in the upcoming presidential election by creating financial obstacles for campaigning. Qasim revealed that his company owed USD 12 million to the government and that the economic downturn following the COVID-19 pandemic had made it challenging to meet employee salary obligations.
Responding to Qasim’s remarks, President Solih spoke to reporters at Salt Cafe after the ceremony where Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir joined the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The president maintained that he has consistently adhered to the constitution and legal framework, regardless of the significance of an issue or his personal affiliations. He reassured the public that he has never exerted influence over independent institutions and remains committed to upholding the rule of law.
The president remarked, “It is up to them to say what they please out of anger,” refraining from directly mentioning Qasim Ibrahim.
In early June, the ACC had requested the Ministry of Tourism to halt the sale of the K. Vaaveddhi lagoon, which the Villa Group had acquired in January as part of a compensation package mandated by the Supreme Court to compensate for previous lease terminations. The request came after an individual lodged a complaint with the ACC during the ministry’s public complaint window, which is typically provided for lease transfer requests.
