Nasheed questions reported $1 million sale of Maguhdhuvaa lease
Nasheed said he had no objection to the sale of the head lease in principle but questioned the reported sale price.
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Former President Mohamed Nasheed has alleged that the reported sale of the head lease of Gaafu Dhaalu Maguhdhuvaa at a price below market value would amount to a major act of corruption.
Nasheed, who serves as chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), made the remarks during a party rally at the MDP's Haruge on Wednesday night.
His comments follow reports that Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is planning to sell the head lease of Maguhdhuvaa, which is operated as Ayada Maldives, to the Turkish company managing the resort.
Speaking at the rally, Nasheed said he had no objection to the sale of the head lease in principle but questioned the reported sale price.
According to Nasheed, the head lease had been valued at US$30 million during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
"Selling the resort is fine. The MDP government valued this head lease. As I recall, they valued it at US$30 million. Back then, I asked why the price was so low. Now, we see the prices at which resorts are being sold. What is the price this government is selling it for? For US$1 million," he said.
Nasheed alleged that selling the head lease at that price would constitute a major act of corruption.
"For US$1 million—who would believe such a story? These are major, major acts of corruption. Unfair advantages or kickbacks are being taken through various means," he said.
He further alleged that such transactions have affected investor confidence in the Maldives.
"So many investors say, 'Sure, we can pay a reasonable amount. But how can we give millions upon millions of dollars just to run a project?'" Nasheed said.
"Ministers are asking [investors for money]. And other officials are also asking for bribe money. We know that they are asking."
The government leased Maguhdhuvaa to MTDC on 17 September 2006.
MTDC subsequently subleased the island on 26 October 2007 to Turkish investor Ahmet Aydeniz for the development of a resort. The resort opened in 2011 and has since operated as Ayada Maldives.
MTDC continues to receive sublease rent from the resort. Reports have recently emerged claiming that the company is considering the sale of the island's head lease at a price below market value.
