Sheikh Ilyas, Minister Shahid Reported to ACC

An independent party has reported the matter of Sheikh Ilyas being issued a diplomatic passport to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

During a Clubhouse discussion on Saturday night, Ilyas stated that the Maldivian government issued him a diplomatic passport as he sought help after failing to obtain a visa to stay with his child studying in Malaysia. He revealed that he does not work at the embassy, and it was only stated as such on paper to acquire the passport. Ilyas also claimed that he does not receive a salary for the position.

The complaint to ACC read that Ilyas himself has admitted to being issued a diplomatic passport as he could not acquire a visa. The report noted that it is the use of an unfair advantage.

“I request the matter to be investigated as providing an unfair advantage is prohibited under the Anti-Corruption Act. Ilyas himself has admitted that Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has issued him the diplomatic passport which he continues to use to this day. Minister Shahid must be investigated for providing an unfair advantage, and Ilyas must be investigated for accepting the advantage”, read the report to ACC.

Many have expressed concern regarding Ilyas being issued a diplomatic passport. It is noteworthy that the Maldivian government has issued several diplomatic passports to individuals under the guise of being employed at the High Commission of Maldives in Malaysia.