Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has stated the government is working with the Parliament of the Maldives to eliminate corruption within state institutions in order to ensure good governance in the country.
The speaker made the remarks in response to criticism faced by the government and the parliament over the COVID-19 compliance audits of two ministries, which revealed major irregularities in disbursing state funds.
In a tweet, Speaker Nasheed said even though the opposition is accusing the ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), of facilitating corruption and embezzlement of state funds, it is clear to see that the government is working with the MDP-led parliament to eliminate corruption from state institutions and to establish good governance in the country. He recalled the previous government, led by former President Abdulla Yameen, ordered military intervention inside the parliament in order to prevent inquiries.
Several senior officials of the state have come under scrutiny after the Auditor General’s Office published the findings of the COVID-19 compliance audit conducted on Ministry of Health and Ministry of Tourism, revealing significant misappropriation of state funds. The President’s Office has stated action will be taken on the officials responsible for the misappropriation of funds. Meanwhile, the parliament has also launched an inquiry into the matter to identify those responsible for the misappropriation.