President calls for action on MMPRC and ventilator graft cases

President Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday called for investigations and legal action in connection with the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption case and the ventilator procurement case linked to previous administrations.

The remarks were made during a gathering organised by the People's National Congress and came amid plans by former presidents Mohamed Nasheed, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to cooperate politically.

Muizzu criticised the three former leaders and questioned the records of their administrations.

Referring to the ventilator procurement case during the COVID-19 pandemic, the President said those responsible should be investigated and punished.

“We have not forgotten how our very breath was stolen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ventilator theft is not something that can be easily dismissed. I hope the relevant institutions will investigate this matter and punish those who are truly responsible,” he said.

Muizzu also referred to the MMPRC corruption scandal that took place during Yameen’s administration and called on independent institutions to continue investigations into the case and other allegations of embezzlement.

“I call upon all independent institutions to work rigorously to ensure justice for all citizens regarding the MMPRC scandal and all other acts of embezzlement committed at that time,” the President said.

He added that the government would cooperate fully with investigative institutions and maintained that no individual would be placed above the law.

“This government will provide full cooperation. No individual is above the law in this administration. There is no person whose interests will be prioritised over the nation. For us, the country comes first,” he said.

During the speech, Muizzu also criticised Yameen’s administration, despite having served as Housing Minister during that period.

He acknowledged development projects carried out under Yameen’s government but said the period was also marked by corruption and the imprisonment of opposition figures.

The President stated that the historical record of previous administrations could not be erased.

During Solih’s administration, Yameen faced prosecution on bribery and money laundering charges linked to island lease transactions through the MMPRC.

A conviction in one of the cases prevented Yameen from contesting the most recent presidential election.

Muizzu secured the presidential ticket after Yameen was disqualified from the race. During the election campaign, Muizzu stated that the cases against Yameen were unjust and pledged efforts to secure his release.