Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has made a strong demand for accountability regarding the alleged unconstitutional actions taken by the former administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. His call for justice follows a statement by former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer, who revealed that over MVR 2 billion in expenditures from the state budget had not been properly recorded in the Ministry of Finance's financial system.
Criticism of the Previous Administration
In a post shared on X, Vice President Latheef expressed his disapproval of the former government’s practices. He claimed that the previous administration exploited its supermajority to hide its wrongdoings. Latheef specifically pointed to the lack of transparency concerning aid received during the COVID-19 pandemic. He firmly stated that those in the former government should face consequences for actions that contradict constitutional principles.
Response from Former Finance Minister
Addressing the allegations, former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer defended the past administration's handling of finances. He argued that the discrepancies found in financial statements were not due to misconduct but rather a common procedure. According to Ameer, expenditures related to funded projects are typically recorded as documentation is received and finalized. This explanation aimed to clarify that the financial irregularities were standard practice rather than evidence of wrongdoing.
Support from the Current Finance Minister
Current Finance Minister Moosa Zameer echoed Ameer’s sentiments during a recent press conference. He revealed that former Finance Minister Mohamed Shafeeq had halted a mid-year financial report upon discovering significant discrepancies in expenditures. Zameer further disclosed that by 2023, foreign financial institutions had disbursed between MVR 1.5 billion and MVR 2 billion for projects funded from abroad. Additionally, he pointed out that this year’s budget must account for MVR 2.5 billion in outstanding bills from previous years.
Legal Ramifications and Warnings
Attorney General Ahmed Usham also weighed in on the situation, revealing that approximately MVR 2 billion had been spent last year without proper documentation. He cautioned that attempting to record these past expenditures this year could be considered illegal. Usham highlighted the need for a legal remedy to address the situation, emphasizing that the constitution mandates that expenditures must align with the approved budget for each fiscal year. He warned that those responsible for these oversights will face the necessary legal repercussions.
The Path Forward
As the call for accountability grows louder, the Maldivian public is left to ponder the implications of these financial irregularities. With leaders emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to the Constitution, it remains crucial for the current administration to navigate these challenges carefully. Ensuring accountability not only restores public trust but also paves the way for a more transparent and responsible governance structure in the future.
