MP Meekail Demands Clarity on 'Brother Abdullah' in Leaked Rasmalé Audio, Says Minister's Figures Don't Add Up

Galolhu South constituency MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem has said it must first be made clear who "Brother Abdullah" — spoken of in the leaked audio related to the Rasmalé project — is, and that the people of the Maldives cannot trust Construction and Infrastructure Minister Dr. Abdullah Muththalib. Speaking on RajjeTV's "Falasurukhi" programme, Meekail said the figures Minister Muththalib gives regarding the Rasmalé project do not add up. Accordingly, he said that after first stating a figure of about 700 million rufiyaa, it was later stated to be about 300 million, and therefore the Maldivian people must find out where the 400 million went. In addition, referring to the leaked audio, Meekail said many people suspect that the person speaking in that clip is Minister Muththalib. "This Brother Abdullah spoken of in the clip, many people are saying it is Abdullah Muththalib. So he is speaking of an official of our government. Is a minister not a government official? So first clarify which Abdullah it is, and then we can accept that statement of Abdullah Muththalib," Meekail said. At the same time, Meekail expressed concern that in that audio a State Minister of the government is suspected of trying to stop the project at India's behest. Noting that over the past two years the Maldives' economy was sustained due to budget support and a currency swap facility provided by India, he said it is not acceptable to move matters in a direction of leaning towards countries that became close in times of need when another party's money is being seen. In addition, Meekail said the Maldives wants a balanced foreign policy that ensures the country's independence and sovereignty. And he appealed to the government and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to stop creating hatred towards and leaning against friendly countries such as India that have been assisting the Maldives since ancient times.