No Legal Basis to Suspend Cabinet Ministers: Govt

The government has stated that there is no legal basis for ministers accused of crimes to be placed on suspension with pay.

During a press conference at the President's Office, in response to a query from Dhiyares, Spokesperson for the President's Office Mabrook Azeez stated that there are no legal policies on the suspension of ministers in the Maldives.

Mabrook claimed that no previous government has ever suspended a minister on suspicion of corruption. He elaborated that the current government is doing so in order to maintain the public's trust and ensure that the matter under investigation is not being influenced.

The spokesperson said that there must be a standard procedure for the suspension of ministers following allegations. He noted that there must be standards involving the salaries of those suspended.

Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof was suspended on suspicion of accepting a sum of money from the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption. Although relieved of his responsibilities as a minister, he continues to receive the same salary and benefits.

Regarding Mahloof's case, Mabrook revealed that President Solih requested the minister to step aside once the matter was sent for prosecution. He attributed Mahloof's extended suspension period is due to the Prosecutor General's Office's inability to make a prosecution decision.