News Desk
The Maldives Hajj Corporation has scrapped all internal agreements selling apartments from its luxury “Niam Residence” project to company staff, following fierce public backlash over top executives securing cheap penthouses using rules they drafted themselves.
The state-owned company, originally set up to manage pilgrimage funds and religious services, drafted an internal policy mid-year to prioritize staff for housing units at discounted rates. Shortly after, the top floor penthouses—the most expensive units in the real estate development—were reserved by senior company officials, including some who have since left the corporation.
Public records and reporting reveal that those who reserved the prime units include former Hajj Corporation Managing Director and current Elections Commission President Mohamed Shakeel, former Chief Operating Officer Najeel Ahmed, and current Deputy Managing Director Mohamed Shihab.
The revelations sparked immediate public fury, with citizens slamming the move as an attempt by state bosses to pocket prime luxury real estate at cut-rate prices under the guise of employee benefits. Critics drew parallels to previous controversies where housing units at SIFCO and POLCO were similarly parcelled out among well-connected insiders.
“All transactions carried out so far regarding the sale of apartments to staff have been cancelled,” the company announced. “Once all necessary procedures are complete, the units at Niam Residence will be opened for public purchase.”
Public sentiment, however, remains hostile, with growing calls on anti-corruption authorities and financial oversight bodies to launch a formal investigation into whether senior executives—individuals entrusted to manage public religious funds—used their positions for improper personal enrichment.
The Niam Residence project was launched by the Hajj Corporation to diversify its commercial portfolio and improve its financial standing. However, the controversy has raised sharp questions about executive self-dealing at a state firm entrusted with public religious funds.
