Hussain Shameem criticizes land sale and ACC's role

Former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem has criticized the Maldives Housing Ministry regarding the sale of a state land plot in Hulhumale’ Phase II to an individual named Ahmed Zahir. The sale, which reportedly occurred at a rate of MVR 375 per square foot, sparked public backlash after a memorandum leaked on social media.

Shameem argued that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) lacks the authority to provide legal counsel to the government, asserting that such a role belongs to the Attorney General. He also raised concerns regarding transparency, noting that the ministry has not clarified the criteria used to assess the recipient's eligibility or the procedure available to others in similar circumstances.

The Housing Ministry stated the sale is a resolution to a 23-year-old dispute dating back to 2003. The ministry confirmed it has sought the ACC’s opinion to investigate potential irregularities and indicated that the land transfer agreement would be signed based on the ACC’s legal counsel.