Deputy Mayor of Male’ City Mohamed Areesh has denied allegations that land in Male’ was unlawfully sold during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure as Mayor.

Areesh was responding to comments made by former Henveiru MP Ali Azim, who is contesting the Male’ mayoral election on the MDP ticket. In an interview with a local newspaper, Azim said he plans to go to court to seek compensation for losses he claims were caused by land allocations made during Muizzu’s time as mayor.

In a post on X, Areesh described the allegations as false and without basis. He said no land in Male’ City was sold to the public during the two years and six months that Muizzu served as mayor.

Areesh said claims about taking the matter to court were misleading and accused Azim of using the issue to politicize the Male’ City Council. He said local councils are meant to work with the government to deliver municipal services and development, not to engage in legal confrontations.

He also criticized Azim’s mayoral campaign, saying it aims to turn Male’ into a political battleground rather than focusing on public service. Areesh said that to gain public support, candidates should present plans to improve municipal services and bring positive changes to the city.