Previous administrations deserve “due credit” for the new airport terminal, President Muizzu said in his latest podcast. But the 54 percent completion under the former MDP government, including most of the exterior structure, did not include awarding key components such as the access road leading to the front of an aircraft parking spot, he said. The former finance minister disputed the claims. Over 70 percent of the “critical” work had been completed, he said. Meanwhile, all former presidents will be invited to the opening ceremony, the airport company chief said.
The number of political appointees is 922, the President’s Office disclosed after more than a year and a half of evasions. The breakdown showed 318 senior political directors, 216 deputy ministers and 169 political directors. The figure is above the presidential pledge of no more than 700 staff, but well below reported numbers closer to 2,000.
The government will seek to terminate the Giraavaru and Hulhumalé phase three land reclamation contracts, the housing minister said at the ‘Ahaa’ forum, blaming the stalled projects on the Sri Lankan contractor Capital Marine and Civil Construction demanding additional payments. Despite payment of US$ 35 million, CMCC only completed work worth US$ 20 million, the minister said. But the government was willing to move forward if the contractor brings back the dredger and resumes work, he later tweeted.
MMPRC, recently renamed Visit Maldives Corporation, posted a net profit for the first time in four years with MVR 27 million (US$ 1.7 million) earned in 2024.
Parliament’s public accounts committee instructed STELCO to recover MVR 664,000 owed as unpaid rent, mainly from former senior staff who had been awarded company flats. As dues cannot be deducted from salaries, PNC MPs called for action against defaulters.
The Health Professionals' Union appealed to the finance ministry for overtime pay.
President Muizzu departed for “high-level meetings and engagements” in the UK.
Parliament's judiciary committee picked Idhris Fauzee to become the public member on the Judicial Service Commission. He is reportedly the former husband of Nilandhoo MP Fathimath Saudha, who is President Muizzu's sister.
The Velana International Airport’s parking zone will be closed on Thursday for the final preparations for the new terminal opening.
Sun resorts magnate Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, 55, and his 23-year-old wife divorced less than a year after their widely-publicised wedding. His former spouse is a dancer from Baa Kamadhoo who rose to national prominence during Eid celebrations.
