The former Vice President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has accused current administration of exploiting the new seaplane terminal deal.
Criticizing the current government, the former vice president said the state is attempting to violate 'sound business conduct' to facilitate a beneficial arrangement for a specific party.
The undervaluation of the terminal, in the state's attempt to rent out the property to Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) will gravely affect the state's income and will not be prudent.
Dr. Jameel also highlighted the senior hierarchy of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) includes direct stakeholders of TMA, further proving his point of a 'shady deal.'
"Giving a big chunk of seaplane terminal to TMA is a well-planned dirty deal designed to benefit few at a huge loss to the state," the former vice president stated in a Tweet.
"TMA has done nothing to deserve compensation. Close associates of TMA directors being at MACL reflect how personal this deal is for some," he added.
The former VP's comments have come at a time when the current Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed claimed the state may require to compensate TMA if the parties involved in the deal cannot arrive to a substantial agreement.
Moreover, the former President of Maldives had commented that the deals were 'cut' during the previous administration of Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. He added those involved in these agreements must be investigated thoroughly for any criminal conduct.
Meanwhile several high-profile trade analysts have commented the state stands to lose a larger sum of income should the new seaplane terminal is rented below standard value to TMA, than the loss of state income from the grand scandal of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).
Furthermore, senior executives of TMA had shared their concerns with MACL claiming they had resorted to leniency with regards to their demands. The seaplane operator claims their only wish is for MACL to respect the proper agreement made between the two parties.
TMA's CEO A.U.M Fauzy in a discussion between MACL, said in their 2017 agreement the latter had agreed to rent out a total of 19,000 square meters at a rate of MVR15.00 per square meter for a duration of 15 years.
However, the 2017 agreement between the two parties remain unsigned from either. In the discussion, executives of TMA claimed they remained assured based on the guarantee provided from the management of MACL to respect the original agreement.
TMA's CEO claimed they have documents to prove their claims.
Further commenting on the seaplane terminal's issue, TMA noted their request to expand the venue came in order to incorporate a larger customer base (i.e. passengers) to accustom the growing tourism industry.
