The Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) coalition has refuted allegations of wrongdoing against its presidential candidate, Dr Mohamed Muizzu. He is accused of receiving financial contributions from several foreign companies during his term as Housing Minister from 2012 to 2018.
A report by local newspaper Adhadhu, which cites documents including statements from Muizzu’s personal bank accounts, reveals large deposits made into his account from various companies that had state contracts while he held the ministerial portfolio.
Notably, the report mentions four payments in 2018 from Hunan No. 6 Engineering Co Ltd/Hunan Construction, totalling USD 70,499 (MVR 1,087,094.58). The company was responsible for the construction of the highway connecting the Sinamale’ Bridge – one of the most significant projects overseen by Muizzu.
According to the report, two other international firms also made deposits in 2017, amounting to USD 24,348.77 and USD 50,000 respectively. Additionally, a Maldivian private business paid Muizzu MVR 1,000,000 in 2015 as remuneration.
According to the report, two other international firms also made deposits in 2017, amounting to USD 24,348.77 and USD 50,000 respectively. Additionally, a Maldivian private business paid Muizzu MVR 1,000,000 in 2015 as remuneration.
These financial transactions raise concerns about potential violations of provisions outlined in Chapter 5 of the Constitution, which relates to cabinet ministers. Article 136 (a) of Chapter 5 states that “A member of the Cabinet shall not hold any other public office or office of profit, actively engage in a business or in the practice of any profession, or engage in any other income-generating employment, be employed by any person, buy or lease any property belonging to the State, or have a financial interest in any transaction between the State and another party.” Furthermore, section (b) of the same constitutional article emphasises that “A member of the Cabinet shall not use his position or any information entrusted to him by virtue of his office to improperly benefit himself or any other person.” These constitutional provisions may warrant further investigation into the financial activities and potential conflicts of interest involving Muizzu and other Cabinet members.
The report further states that three undisclosed financiers deposited a total of USD 25,599 and MVR 600,000.
Records show that during his tenure, Muizzu declared these foreign funds as rental income from properties he owns, including a rowhouse in Hulhumalé that he purchased while he was a minister and another property called Dhimyaath, which he inherited from his father. Notably, Dhimyaath was still under construction when most of the payments were made.
Adhadhu also reported that Muizzu built his family home, Dhimyaath in Maafannu ward of Malé, through a loan of MVR 39 million acquired by a company bearing the same name as the house, Dhimyaath Pvt Ltd, from the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB). However, it noted that receipts from the construction company RCC showed that MVR 11 million of the initial MVR 13 million payment was made in cash. The managing director of Dhimyaath Pvt Ltd is Muizzu’s spouse, Sajidha Mohamed, with the other shareholder being Abdulla Fayaz, who held the position of deputy minister at the Ministry of Housing during Muizzu’s tenure.
The newspaper confirmed through an official at the Anti-Corruption Commission during that time, that these financial irregularities were recorded, and a case had been filed. However, no action has been taken by either the previous or the current government.
In response to these allegations, Muizzu’s campaign spokesperson Mohamed Tholal maintained that the deposits were rent payments for two apartments leased to the companies involved in the construction projects.
The Muizzu camp also revealed to the media that the MVR 1 million mentioned in the article was a grant from Ahmed Siyam (Sun Siyam), the leader of the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), intended to facilitate the down payment for a rowhouse Muizzu acquired in Hulhumale’.
Speaking at a rally in Fonadhoo of Laamu Atoll on Friday, Muizzu vehemently denied any wrongdoing or acts of corruption during his tenure and reaffirmed his innocence.