MPs of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) have received the MVR 50,000 cash handout "from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu" this month.
The PNC MPs received this month's cash handout a few days ago. Some PNC MPs confirmed this to Adhadhu.
The MPs said that this month many of them received the cash at their homes from "hand to hand" unlike in previous months.
The PNC MPs received cash from President Muizzu last month as well. Each PNC MP received MVR 75,000 last month, some MPs confirmed to Adhadhu.
Adhadhu reporters saw Dhuvaafaru MP Mohamed Ali leaving President Muizzu's private residence Maafannu Dhimyaath last month with a black bag. He took the bag to the PNC office.
MP Mohamed Ali did not respond to calls and text messages regarding the contents of the bag and the purpose it was taken to the PNC office.
Adhadhu reporters saw and captured video footage of several MPs entering the PNC office after the bag was taken there. However, the MPs denied receiving any money.
PNC leadership refused to respond when questioned about the sources of the funds that are allegedly handed out to MPs each month.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has remained silent on the alleged monthly cash handouts.
ACC President Adam Shamil and Vice President Abdul Salaam did not respond to calls when Adhadhu contacted them repeatedly.
Adhadhu has also been unable to get a response from the ACC media officials after submitting written questions.
There are 75 PNC MPs in the Parliament. It costs MVR 3.75 million per month to pay MVR 50,000 for each of them. Sources told Adhadhu that the amount was increased to MVR 75,000 per MP this month.
Some MPs have raised questions over the source of the monthly cash handouts since the 20th Session of the People's Majlis commenced in May.
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.
When the President said 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.
Some senior PNC officials further told Adhadhu that the President makes payments to people appointed to various positions in the PNC. Sources confirmed that the total amount being paid is MVR 6 million.
The source of the money being paid to MPs "on behalf of President Muizzu" is unclear. The monthly salary of the President is MVR 100,000.
