Yameen calls for probe into Hulhumale land allocation in all govts

Former President Abdulla Yameen on Friday urged the government to investigate allegations surrounding land allocation in Hulhumale, including actions taken by all previous administrations.

Speaking at a Progressive National Front (PNF) rally Friday evening, Yameen said issues of land mismanagement and alleged theft in Hulhumale have persisted for years, predating the current administration.

Yameen highlighted that the second phase of Hulhumale development, including land reclamation, took place during his administration. He noted that land plots auctioned during that period fetched higher-than-expected prices.

However, allegations have surfaced repeatedly about the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) allocating land improperly or for personal gain. Yameen said that despite such claims, no government has taken significant action to address these allegations.

The issue gained public attention recently with accusations that the brother of suspended HDC Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed received a land plot not eligible under the Binveriya housing scheme. Both Fazul and his brother, Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed, have denied the allegations.

Yameen suggested that a comprehensive investigation be conducted through an independent integrity commission, established under Article 115 of the Constitution, rather than relying on the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). He expressed doubt about the ACC’s independence, citing its leadership appointment by President Mohamed Muizzu.

Yameen also pointed to alleged misconduct during his own presidency. He claimed senior officials of his administration had improperly facilitated land transactions in Hulhumale, sometimes in his name, without his knowledge.

“I now know that senior party officials and leaders used my name to allocate large tracts of land to businessmen and others who benefited unlawfully,” Yameen said. “Apartments and land were obtained by some in prime locations, and these issues need to be investigated comprehensively, not limited to any one government.”

Yameen questioned whether President Muizzu would pursue such an investigation.

The Prosecutor General, Abbas Sharif, has ordered a joint investigation by the police and the ACC into the allegations. The investigation has led to the seizure of passports belonging to 20 HDC officials, including Fazul, as well as those of former State Minister for Housing Akram Kamaluddin and three others.