Government says to penalise Nahula only after probe

Action will be taken against transport minister Aishath Nahula only if the ongoing investigation establishes the corruption allegations against her, the government said on Wednesday.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Tuesday launched a probe into the alleged corruption against minister Nahula. With this, there have been demands from some locals for her suspension. It also questioned the non-suspension investigation.

President's Office spokesman Mohamed Miuvan told Atoll Times that as per the amended regulations, a person will not be suspended from their post with an accusation.

"If we get such reliable information that warrants action during the investigation, appropriate action will be taken [against Nahula]," he said.

Earlier, a person was accused in a case and when an agency started investigating the matter, he was suspended from his post. However, the government changed their policy after Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof had been under suspension for a long time over allegations.

In the case of Nahula, the agency is looking into a complaint filed by a private person two weeks ago alleging that the vehicle was being registered in violation of the motor vehicle registration rules and there was corruption in it.

Apart from the case, there have also been concerns raised in the past by various quarters that Nahula has not attended office and that the minister is not performing her duties to the extent required. Nahula did not immediately respond to a request for comment.