MDP accuses Auditor General of political bias over Fenaka report

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Monday accused Auditor General Hussain Niyazi of acting under political influence and misusing his position.

The criticism came in response to the Auditor General’s Office report on transactions made during the tenure of Ahmed Saeed, former Managing Director of Fenaka Corporation, under the previous government. The audit covered the period 2021–2023 and was released late Thursday night.

Speaking at a press conference, MDP lawyer Aik Ahmed Esa questioned the timing of the report’s publication, alleging it was issued on the instruction of President Mohamed Muizzu. He claimed the Auditor General acted out of concern for his job security.

“The Auditor General is currently acting under political pressure. Such a report was released suddenly to protect his position,” Aik said.

He called the report’s validity “questionable” and urged for it to be withdrawn and corrected before being made public again. He stressed that the Auditor General should not be a political figure, adding that loss of public confidence in the office would undermine trust in audit findings.

According to Aik, the report contained incomplete and misleading information. Among the points highlighted were:

He also rejected claims of a MVR 2 billion scam, calling it a politically motivated allegation.

Aik further criticised the Auditor General’s Office for not auditing the current government’s activities with the same urgency.

“The Auditor General is now abusing his position. This is also corruption,” Aik said, calling for Niyazi to resign if he cannot act independently.

The Auditor General’s Office has not commented on the remarks.