Yameen Slams SOEs for Overstepping Mandates with Tourism, Fitness, and Hospital Projects

Former President Abdulla Yameen on Thursday evening criticised state-owned enterprises (SOEs) for straying from their core mandates, accusing companies such as WAMCO, MACL, and RDC of venturing into sectors unrelated to their primary responsibilities, during the “Wake Up” rally organised by the People’s National Front (PNF).

Yameen also strongly criticised the current administration, alleging that no organisation has been empowered enough to fulfil its responsibilities properly.

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Held at Artificial Beach, PNF described the event as a national gathering rather than a political rally and welcomed participation from all Maldivians. In addition to locals from Malé, participants from inhabited islands also attended. Attendees were given the opportunity to express their opinions.

Yameen also criticised respected and retired military officials for joining organisations allegedly rife with corruption. He argued that a change in administration does not automatically change the integrity of employees, and said he does not understand why respected officials would join such organisations, known for their corruption.

The former president also alleged that there is no organisation in the Maldives that is functional at the moment. He claimed that the courts, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Prosecutor General have failed to take action on corruption cases, and expressed frustration that no one is addressing corruption effectively.

“Regardless of all these allegations, why would the Prosecutor General not do what is required by law, and inform the police and the ACC to uncover the truth?” Yameen said.

He further stated that political leaders have been stifled to the point that they are unable to defend the public. He took the example of Jumhooree Party’s (JP) Leader Qasim Ibrahim, and said that regardless of which administration comes into power, Kaadedhoo Airport belongs to Qasim, and it is “destined” for him.

Additionally, Yameen warned that it is not only the companies that have weakened but the nation as a whole.

“Is it only the companies that have become shells of what they were? I believe the whole country has become a shell,” he said.