Is it justified to give ex-president Maumoon a place to live?

An important bill is being debated in the parliament these days – what are the privileges for an ex-president. While some accuses that the bill aims to give undue benefits to Maumoon, this will also be the bill which will give those same benefits to the next ex-president, Nasheed.

Most, if not all citizens of Maldives, would agree to extend some kind of privileges to any ex-president. But what the citizens may not understand is why ex-president Maumoon will be give a house on the expense of Maldivians while he already owns a house? Yes, we do agree that Kinbigasdhoshuge is not in habitable condition as it’s currently rented as a warehouse – but there is no doubt that the rent would suffice to provide accommodation for the family of Maumoon.

Most Maldivians will find it easier to digest if an ex-president is given a living allowance or appropriate accommodation if he dosen’t own a house. This will be more appropriate for Maldives, as a huge chunk of our population still lacks basic housing facilities.

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