Former transport minister Adil Saleem has today described as "a mafia-style action" the lease extension of privately owned Maamingili airport to 99 years.
Speaking at a ceremony held this morning to open a photo exhibition showing former President Mohamed Nasheed's work, Saleem said a few influential people were "taking over" the people's assets under a "well-organised" plan.
"The post [of transport minister] was given to an employee of [Maamingili MP] Gasim Ibrahim. After he signed the lease extension as Gasim wanted, he was dismissed from his post claiming that it wasn't a decision made by them [the government]. This is how mafia works," he said.
Saleem, however, said the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had no problem in extending the lease to 99 years as long as Gasim Ibrahim agreed to carry out corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects required by the government.
Saleem, who served under Nasheed, also condemned the "dangerous" comments made recently by government officials against India, saying that it would weaken diplomatic relations between the two countries and hurt the Maldives' economy.
"We rely on India's help to even pay our salaries. But those in power are criticising India and other neighbouring countries," he said.
11/11/12 Ali Naafiz/Haveeru Online
