Zulfikar Mustapha, the Executive Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has commented on the issue of asset disclosure by President Irfaan Ali. He indicated that it is ultimately the President’s decision whether to publicly disclose his financial records. This statement comes in light of concerns regarding the source of funds for the President’s investment in a 150-acre farm located on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.
Initially, Mustapha refrained from providing a direct opinion when asked by Demerara Waves Online News about whether Dr. Ali should permit the Integrity Commission to disclose his financial records. He stated, “I can’t say that. That is for the President to decide on that.” However, he emphasized that the President has been declaring his financial assets to the Integrity Commission annually, asserting that transparency in financial disclosures indicates that there is nothing to hide.
This discussion follows remarks from the opposition coalition, the People’s National Congress Reform/A Partnership for National Unity, which has called for the President to publicly disclose his financial records to address allegations of financial impropriety. Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed raised concerns about the President’s wealth, claiming that he misused his position to acquire the land and invest over GY$2 billion in the agricultural project.
In response to these allegations, President Ali has denied any wrongdoing, stating that it is well-known that he owns a farm. He has also mentioned that his disclosures to the Integrity Commission and his bank records demonstrate that he borrowed funds to finance the investment in the agricultural complex. Following these developments, Mohamed has urged the President to consider resigning.
Source: demerarawaves.com
