Presidential candidate of The Democrats Ilyas Labeeb has said that the solution he proposes to address most of the concerns and problems in the Maldives is to increase individual income thereby creating prosperous households.
Ilyas made this statement during the Sangu TV Presidential Debate, in which all the candidates contesting in the elections scheduled for September 9 participated. He said that the primary reason he is running for president is to raise individual income.
"We do not see an increase in individual income. It has to be increased. God willing, we will increase individual earnings fivefold. Which citizen has received an increased income? We are coming to implement plans that will bring this about." said Ilyas.
Ilyas shared his plans to accomplish this purpose. The main thing highlighted by the candidate was the development of 75,000 guesthouses across the Maldives. Harmonizing ticket prices, minimizing the gaps in minimum wage of resort employees, and ensuring employees in the tourism sector get their entitled service charge payments in full are also included in Ilyas Labeeb's plan.
Ilyas also said that youth will be provided with many opportunities to start new businesses through the "Easy Business" policy. He said financing will be arranged with the submission of a business proposal, despite the lack of cash in hand, property to mortgage, or equity.
Ilyas said the current government had failed to increase income of ordinary citizens.
Ilyas said that the debt of the Maldives had increased and a large portion of this debt has to be paid back in 2026. According to Ilyas this issue can also be addressed through increasing individual income. Ilyas said that increasing individual income will improve the economy of the country and increase employment.
Ilyas said that while the current government might lack the know-how to address this issue, he possessed the knowledge to manage debt repayment. He pledged to restructure debts and work to extend grace periods. Ilyas also highlighted his intention to expand the tax base, clarifying that small businesses or corner shops would not be subject to increased taxes, while taxes on larger businesses would be raised.
Ilyas also discussed his housing policy and outlined his plans to alleviate congestion in Malé. He proposed vacating some blocks in the city to construct 15-storey apartment towers. Individuals who choose to move to these apartments and vacate their land will be compensated for their land. Under the current plan, 7,500 apartments will be developed in Malé.
Ilyas said that the government will provide a guarantee and financing for those who want to build their own houses.
"The Maldives is a prosperous country. This prosperity has to be increased for the ordinary citizen. [We] will find a way to increase individual prosperity." said Ilyas.
Ilyas highlighted that his foreign policy is not to be against any specific country and that close relationships will be maintained especially with neighboring countries. Ilyas said he will not hide anything and highlighted that a clear statement has to be made by the current government on whether Indian soldiers are present in the Maldives. He said agreements with other countries should also be made public.
"Another country's security services should not influence our own security services and things should not be kept secret. Should not be hidden. This is not how a government should be run. Whether or not foreign soldiers are here should be stated clearly. Should not be kept confidential." said Ilyas.
Ilyas said he will work to get back the sea area lost in the Chagos case. He also said he will maintain relations with China, and that the Maldives should leverage the opportunities presented by the Chinese economy.
Ilyas said the biggest threat to the security of Maldives is extremism and drug trafficking. He said that individuals engaged in activities like drug trafficking often do so due to lack of alternative business opportunities. He proposed the "Easy Business" policy to solve this issue as well.
Ilyas said that his main aim is to achieve prosperity and justice for the people. He emphasized that he has no interest in pursuing revenge against former presidents. Ilyas said that he will work to liberate individuals from various forms of oppression, including the fear of job loss, and to empower them to become self-sufficient.
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