Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has called for an investigation into the source of President Mohamed Muizzu’s funds, alleging that the monthly cash payments of MVR 50,000 each to Members of Parliament (MPs) of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) constitute an act of corruption.
Yameen’s comments came during a gathering of his People’s National Front (PNF) party on Thursday, in response to a question from the local media agency ‘Adhadhu’ about monthly payments to MPs representing the ruling PNC in Parliament.
“If that’s what happens, that’s what I’ve heard. And as far as I know, it happens. Even if Muliaage [the President’s Official Residence] and the President’s Office deny this, I know that it happens,” he said.
The former president underscored Muizzu’s source of funds as a bigger issue than the payments to the MPs.
“I lived there [in Muliaage] too. Are there trees which grow money there? Then where does this money come from? If anyone earns money that doesn’t match their salary and income, there’s a question as to legality there,” he said.
Yameen expressed dissatisfaction that the police did not question President Muizzu regarding the payments, saying that the money trail—where and how funds are obtained—should be investigated.
“We now have to raid Muliaage and investigate. If the bank takes that money, all of MMA’s [Maldives Monetary Authority’s] red lights [warning signs] should start going off. The STRs [suspicious transaction reports] should come out. We are not talking about a small amount of money… I don’t believe that the President can give money [just] like that,” he said.
Three PNC members confirmed to ‘Adhadhu‘ that the money had been paid to the MPs. The PNC has 75 MPs in parliament which would potentially bring the total amount paid to MPs per month to MVR 3.75 million. MPs are paid MVR82,500 per month as salary, which is supplemented by an additional MVR 20,000 as committee allowance.
Muizzu announced his decision of monthly stipends to the MPs during a meeting at Muliaage on 22 May, which was attended by PNC MPs and heads of administration as well as state-owned enterprises.
According to ‘Adhadhu‘, the administration had previously denied that PNC members were paid MVR 50,000 per month via Muliaage, however, it had been confirmed to the media outlet that each PNC MP was paid MVR 50,000 by the President last month by several senior PNC officials — the news outlet went on to detail that the President also provides stipends to those appointed to various positions within the PNC as well as to those engaged in the administration of the party.
The total funds paid per month comes to around MVR 6 million, sources confirmed to the news outlet.
