President says relative Hassan sacked over resort lease

President Mohamed Muizzu has confirmed the removal of former Maldivian deputy ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Hassan Waheed from his government post amid allegations involving the allocation of three islands for resort development.

Reports circulating on social media allege that Thaa Atoll islands Fushi, Kani and Vanbandhi, located between Vandhoo and Omadhoo, were granted to Ayatana Hospitalities Private Limited, a company in which Waheed is said to hold shares. The reports claim that the islands were granted for $864,000.

A journalist asked Muizzu about the allegations during a press meeting at the President’s Office on Monday.

Muizzu said he became aware of the matter after seeing reports in several news outlets and had confirmed that the islands had been granted to a company in which Waheed held an interest.

“My family also includes many people. After receiving this information, I asked him whether it was true. He said it was a company in which I hold shares,” Muizzu said.

“That has nothing to do with me.”

However, Muizzu said it was unacceptable for a person holding a government position to be involved in such a matter and confirmed that Waheed had been removed from office.

“I do not accept a person holding a government post doing something like that. That is why he has now been removed from his position,” the president said.

The reports have not been independently verified, and details of the alleged transaction, including the date and value of the island allocation, have not been released by the government.