Ahmed Mubeen, Managing Director of Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL), has stated that when the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) was in power, it maintained that local councils needed to be aligned with the Government to effectively deliver services to the public.

Speaking on the programme Dhiveheenge Raajje, organised by the People’s National Congress (PNC) in collaboration with local media ahead of the Local Council Elections, Mubeen said that former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had also acknowledged the importance of councils working in cooperation with the Government.

“President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih himself said that if councils are aligned, it would be easier to implement development projects. Those videos are still being shared publicly,” Mubeen said.

He added that the MDP has since shifted its position after moving into the opposition. However, he maintained that the consistent stance of the PNC is that councils should operate in cooperation with the Government to ensure effective service delivery and national development.

Mubeen further emphasised that holding the Government accountable is neither a legal nor a logical responsibility assigned to councils. He said such duties do not fall within the mandate of local councils, and described claims that councils must act as a mechanism to hold the Government accountable as an attempt by the opposition MDP to mislead the public.

He also commented on the current political climate, stating that certain parties continue to prioritise political interests over national development goals.

Mubeen alleged that the MDP has consistently sought political advantage over island and national development. As an example, he claimed that councils with an MDP majority are attempting to create the perception that the Government is unable to carry out development projects by placing obstacles in the way of ongoing initiatives.

The managing director stated that, even at present, construction of police station buildings in some islands has not commenced due to unresolved land issues. He added that waste management facilities required for WAMCO services have also not been established, as land has yet to be allocated for the purpose.