Defence minister ready to disclose drone deal to 241 committee

Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon said on Monday that he would disclose details of the government's recent purchase of UAVs or military drones to the Security Services Committee (241) of the Parliament.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had cited national security reasons and did not disclose details of the deal. Henveiru West MP Hassan Latheef posed the question to Ghassan during Monday’s sitting.

Hassan Latheef, who is also the president of the opposition Democrats, asked Ghassan to clarify the number of drones purchased by the government and the price of each drone.

"It is not done in any country to disclose details of defense expenditure at a forum like this. I refrain from making that information public here [in parliament]," Ghassan said in response to Hassan's question.

"We could disclose this information in a closed door session of the 241 Committee."

The opposition is accusing the current administration of corruption in the purchase of the drones. The allegations have been denied by President Mohammed Muizzu. Gassam addressed the allegations:

"There will be documentation of this. And the investigative agencies that want to look at it can have it if they want. It has been done within the prescribed procedures," Ghassan said.

Hassan then asked Ghassan whether the government intends to find ways to maintain the economic zone of Maldives without spending heavily from the state budget, keeping such funds for other important things, and instead establish good diplomatic relations with other countries to do it. Hassan also asked whether Ghassan would not suggest the same to President Muizzu.

Replying to the question, Ghassan said there are close relations with all countries. He said there was "no enemy" of Maldives.

Despite diplomatic relationships, Ghassan said he believes "some things must be done on our own”.

“It is the duty of the Maldivian people to protect the independence and sovereignty of the cpountry,” he said.

‘No country offered free drones'

MDP said its government had received interest from a friendly country to provide free drones. Some of the discussions were also held, party officials said.

However, Ghassan denied the talk when he was questioned about it by MDP MP Abdullah Yaugoob.

"The honourable member has received completely false information. No correct information there ... nothing has been done from any country to give free UAVs," Ghassan said, questioning the member in return on how the information was obtained.