Local Government Authority (LGA) has suspended two councillors from the Kaafu Atoll Council for a period of three months.
Vice President of the Council Abdulla Waris and Councilor Majid Sulaiman were given a suspension of three months without pay over embezzlement of public funds. Waris is a member of the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) and Majid represents Jumhooree Party (JP).
The suspension was ordered in a letter sent to the Male' Atoll Council signed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LGA Afshan Latheef. The letter stated an audit report published by the Auditor General's Office shows clear evidence that the two councillors misappropriated state funds. As per the letter, the board unanimously agreed the councillors should not be allowed to remain in their positions. Hence, the two councilors have been suspended under the powers vested to the LGA by the Decentralisation Act of the Maldives.
LGA said the suspension is effective from July 23 onwards. Following the suspension, the two councillors have been banned from entering the council premises unless for the purpose of seeking a public service. Additionally, they have been ordered to handover any document or property of the council in their possession.
This is the first decision made following the formulation of the new board of the LGA.