Azaan claims committee removal linked to SOE fraud probe
Azaan stated that despite his removal from the committees, he remains committed to oversight efforts.
Hithadhoo Central PNC MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq said on Monday that his removal from key parliamentary committees was due to ongoing investigations into procurement practices in state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
Azaan was expelled from the Finance Committee and the Security Services (241) Committee after violating the PNC parliamentary group’s whip-line on a bill. Two other PNC members were appointed in his place. He has been reassigned to the Petitions Committee and the Ethics Committee.
Speaking to Atoll Times, Azaan said his removal was influenced by those benefiting from SOE operations.
"The Finance Committee began reviewing SOE procurement and requested procurement records for the past year. The first review was of WAMCO, which spent MVR 65 million on rentals last year," Azaan said.
He claimed that pressure was exerted from different sources to halt these investigations.
"When we start looking into these matters, there is pressure from various quarters, particularly those who benefit from these transactions," he said.
Azaan stated that despite his removal from the committees, he remains committed to oversight efforts.
"I will continue looking into these issues. Even if I am not part of a specific committee, I can still work as a member of parliament to ensure accountability," he said.
