In response to inquiries regarding the purchase of badminton balls from Moosa Nashid's shop, 'Askani,' the Badminton Association of Maldives (BAM) clarified that the procurement of balls strictly adheres to established procedures based on guidance from relevant authorities.
Addressing Mihaaru's inquiry regarding the procurement of balls from Moosa's shop and the related regulations, the association clarified that, besides obtaining balls from the shop, they utilize sponsored balls for tournaments.
The BAM letter signed by the association’s Vice President Ahmed Shakir Moosa explained that over the years, they have sought advice from authorities due to the complexities in procuring badminton balls.
"A business affiliated with Moosa Nashid also supplies balls to the association. Considering the difficulties in procuring badminton balls, the association has consistently sought guidance from relevant authorities over recent years. In adherence to the Finance Act, the association follows a standard procedure for the procurement of goods," stated the letter from BAM.
The letter also referenced a case lodged with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) concerning the purchase of balls from the shop affiliated with Moosa. The ACC concluded that the case did not constitute an offense of corruption.
"Since the Anti-Corruption Commission has advised the Badminton Association of Maldives to purchase (balls) from the shop, it is not possible for this commission to find any corrupt practices, as mentioned in the Prevention of Corruption Act. Therefore, the case has been decided on the ground that it does not constitute an offense of corruption, as mentioned in the Anti-Corruption Commission Act," stated a public document on the cases investigated by ACC in 2017.
In its letter, the commission stated that documents pertaining to items purchased during the time of filing the complaint could not be recovered during the investigation as the association's office had changed at that time.
In 2016, the association announced the procurement of badminton balls, feather shuttles, and Yonex Mavis 500 / Mavis 350 rubber balls, but the bid was initially won by another company. Since the company failed to supply them, a second announcement was made.
This is when Moosa's shop, Askani Sports, became involved. In this instance, only two companies submitted bids, and Askani proposed delivering the balls on credit. The association sought the involvement of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in the case to ensure transparency, as they preferred Askani to win the bid. In August 2016, the Badminton Association sought advice from the ACC on this matter, citing a conflict of interest due to the shop's ownership by the President of BAM.
A former association member alleged that the two shops were connected with Moosa. The first shop, which failed to deliver the equipment after winning the bid from the initial announcement, and the second shop, bidding alongside Askani, were both claimed to be affiliated with Moosa, according to a former BAM official.
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