MDP accuses govt of using ACC to obstruct party’s planned rally

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has claimed that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned three ministers from the previous administration in an attempt to obstruct the party’s rally planned for next month.

Fayyaz Ismail, former Minister of Economic Development and current MDP Chairman

Ibrahim Ameer, former Minister of Finance and current MDP National Assembly member

In a statement issued on Friday evening, the MDP said the allegations and summons were politically motivated and lacked a factual basis.

The party said the investigation concerns advice given by a government committee in which the three ministers served. The case involves Swift Engineering Pvt Ltd, a company that had filed lawsuits against the state following the termination of its contracts under the previous government.

According to the MDP, the committee’s recommendation was made to resolve a dispute resulting from what it described as the unlawful cancellation of contracts by the administration of former President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The party explained that Swift Engineering had proposed compensation terms, agreeing to drop further legal claims if it was awarded additional projects equivalent in value to four of the six terminated ones. The committee, which included the three ministers, determined that this approach would be more cost-effective for the state.

The MDP added that MP Saudullah Hilmy, Managing Director of Swift Engineering, had also agreed to the settlement terms.

In its statement, the MDP said none of the accused officials had received personal benefit from the decision. The party alleged that the timing of the ACC’s actions indicates a deliberate attempt to intimidate opposition figures and hinder preparations for the MDP’s rally scheduled for 17 November.