Maldivians can breathe easy when thieves are jailed: President Solih

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih declared on Monday night that the Maldivian people can only breathe easy when those who committed acts of corruption are behind bars.

Speaking in the campaign rally of Hisaan Hussain contesting for Thulhaadhoo constituency, President Solih declared that the people rejected former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's administration in the 2018 presidential elections due to the acts of corruption and fraud committed by the state.

President Solih noted the importance of securing majority for the ruling coalition in the upcoming parliamentary elections, in order to hold those behind such acts accountable.

"We, the people, can only breathe easy when these criminals have been caught and put behind bars", he said.

Additionally, the president stated that the current administration did not harbour any intention of defying any parties. President Solih stated that the coalition was aiming for majority in order to enforce positive change by bringing amendments to the constitution through parliament.

"We're not pestering or defying a certain group. We are with the people", the president said.

Noting the alleged acts of corruption involved in the development of Dharumavantha Hospital, President Solih noted that the building could have been constructed for USD 54 million as opposed to the USD 144 million spent by Yameen's administration.

Furthermore, President Solih revealed that many questionable acts regarding the hospital surfaced during his meetings with senior officials of the company contracted with the project.

President Solih announced that he had proof of the foul play involved in the bidding process.

Additionally, the president accused the previous administration of graft regarding the Hiyaa housing project in phase two of reclaimed suburb Hulhumale'.

"The rooms are eight feet by nine feet. There is no space for a wardrobe after placing a bed. How will people live there? I suggested demolishing the buildings in the economic committee the other day. It would be better to demolish it and rebuild", President Solih stated, noting the poor conditions of Hiyaa flats.

Stating that granting powers to local councils was the most important step towards decentralization, President Solih questioned how amendments allowing this change could be brought to the constitution without securing a majority in parliamentary elections.