An MDP rally turned violent last night after police were forced to disperse protests that erupted across Male’, complaining of corruption in parliament and injustice in the judicial system.
Three recordings of discussions between Majlis members referring to other members and officials, including a plan to cease work on the Tax bills in the Majlis, have appeared on the Internet.
After ratifying the second amendment to the constitution today, President Yameen sought to allay fears over foreign ownership of land in the Maldives, assuring the public that freeholds will not threat Indian Ocean security or lead to “enslavement” and scarcity of land.
Power shortages may spoil the government’s plans to light up the capital Malé City on Independence Day, STELCO has said. A crucial 8MW generator is down at the power plant due to an unexpected failure and may take up to two weeks to repair.
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has said that annual bonuses worth MVR40 million (US$2.5 million) will be distributed to more than 13,000 civil servants with the monthly pay for July and August.
Plastic palm trees have been placed on Malé’s streets and several areas at Male’s waterfront have been closed off as the government rushes to complete major renovation projects including a new official jetty and a musical water fountain at the Republic Square before July 26.
Gasim Ibrahim, the leader of Jumhooree Party (JP) returned to Maldives today after the government removed a freeze on his Villa Group accounts over an alleged unpaid fine of US$90.4million.
The Malé-Hulhumalé bridge will cost an estimated US$300 million, finance minister Abdulla Jihad revealed today. In addition to US$100 million in grant aid, the Chinese government will also provide a US$170 million loan at a two percent interest rate.
PPM MP Abdulla Khaleel has also proposed extensive changes to the composition of local councils. Apart from the president and vice president of island, atoll, and city councils, the ruling party lawmaker proposed making other councillors part-time members who would not be involved in day-to-day activities.
