No cases related to a monthly cash handout "on behalf of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu" to MPs of the People's National Congress (PNC) are under investigation, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has said.
President Muizzu provided funds to PNC MPs both this month and last month, some MPs from the party confirmed to Adhadhu. Most PNC MPs were paid MVR 50,000 each month. But a higher amount was provided to MPs from some constituencies, MPs who spoke to Adhadhu said.
With 75 PNC MPs in the People's Majlis, providing MVR 50,000 to each would cost MVR 3.75 million a month. MPs as well are unaware of the source of the funds.
When Adhadhu asked whether an ACC probe was underway, the ACC media official said that a complaint had not been made so far.
In addition to the cash handout from the President, MPs earn a monthly salary of MVR 82,500, which includes an MVR 20,000 committee allowance. Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and former President Abdulla Yameen have both characterised the handout as an act of corruption.
Agencies should take the initiative to look into the case, Yameen said. But the government has repeatedly denied the handout as a politically motivated allegation from the opposition.
The law on prevention and prohibition of corruption states that bribing MPs is a crime. It carries a punishment of up to seven years in prison, banishment or house arrest.
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President Muizzu announced the decision to hand out cash to PNC MPs every month during a meeting held at Muleeage on May 22. MPs elected to Parliament on the PNC ticket, senior government officials and heads of government companies participated in the meeting.
When the President said on that day that MVR 50,000 would be provided "from the President" to MPs every month, some MPs disagreed with the decision and urged the President to reconsider, according to some PNC MPs who spoke to Adhadhu.
However, President Muizzu said that it was "not a problem at all" and proceeded to do so, the MPs said.
