The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa has issued a warning to officials of independent institutions.

Speaking at an MDP gathering last night (January 6), the MP for Hanimaadhoo accused the Muizzu administration of influencing independent institutions.

"You are paid with the tax collected from the people. You should not stay in your jobs if you don't know that. The institutions should not do anything to please the government," Ghafoor said referring to officials of independent institutions.

He assured that the MDP would return to power and those who neglected their legal responsibility would be brought to justice.

Ghafoor's warning came as the Supreme Court bench reconstituted by President Mohamed Muizzu sits on a constitutional case on MP disqualification.

The government rushed constitutional amendments to chain lawmakers to the ruling party by ensuring their disqualification for leaving of expulsion from the party.

Three Supreme Court justices were arbitrarily removed from the bench after they accepted the constitutional case. Their removal was facilitated through the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Meanwhile, it had been six months since the court completed hearings on the disqualification of Hithadhoo North MP Mohamed Sinaan after he failed to repay a debt. But the Supreme Court continues to delay the verdict for the ruling party MP.

Despite the Supreme Court's actions, Muizzu claims he does not influence the court or the judges.

It has also been revealed that Muizzu and Elections Commission (EC) President Mohamed Zahid held a “secret meeting” at the President's Office before the government proposed a constitutional amendment bill to merge the parliamentary and presidential elections.

The government and the EC have not yet commented on the meeting.

There have been increasing allegations of corruption against the Muizzu administration, but the ACC has not disclosed whether it is investigating these cases.