A heated exchange has occurred in a WhatsApp group of ruling party lawmakers over corruption in state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

The debate began when an MP shared social media posts about alleged attempts by Fenaka to buy fake spare parts.

The argument was between MPs loyal to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and MPs loyal to Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla.

MPs loyal to the President spoke out against corruption in the government, while MPs loyal to Abdul Raheem responded to them indirectly.

"Voters expect MPs to accept wrong as wrong and work for reform. The government was ruined before because of praise all the time. We were the ones that blew balloons and packed panadol. We are saying this because we don't want to see this government fall," Maafannu Dhekunu MP Abdulla Rifau said.

Maafannu Medhu MP Asma Rasheed said that President Muizzu will ultimately suffer because of corruption in the government.

"We are the ones who defend the government day and night. Why not listen to us and accept what we are saying? We know there is corruption. We can show evidence. All the damage will be on the President. Not raising the issue when something goes wrong, will cause an even worse result later. The wise choice is to discuss it and find a solution," she stated.

MPs loyal to Abdul Raheem began sharing posts praising the President in the WhatsApp group and MPs loyal to the President accused them of sharing the posts to change the topic.

Meanwhile, PNC PG leader MP Ibrahim Falah said MPs should work in unity and also responded to some MPs loyal to the President.

Hulhumale' Uthuru MP Hussain Shareef said there was corruption and theft in the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) as well.

MP Mohamed Ismail of Villimale'' constituency, who is loyal to Abdul Raheem, said if things go wrong, the issues should be submitted to those who can solve them.

Speaker Abdul Raheem did not comment during the argument.

The heated exchange between People's National Congress (PNC) MPs comes as many SOEs have been accused of corruption. There are allegations of corruption against Fenaka, HDC, Stelco and Fuel Supply Maldives.