Yameen requests MVR 14.7 million lump sum for ex-President's office expenses

It has been revealed that former President Abdulla Yameen has submitted a letter to the Ministry of Finance requesting a one-time lump sum payment of MVR 14.7 million to cover the operating expenses of his former president’s office from the end of his term until the present day.

At a rally held by the People's National Front (PNF) last night, Yameen spoke in his defense, claiming that since the end of his presidency on November 17, 2018, he has not drawn the funds for his office expenses or for medical treatment, which are granted under the law concerning the provision of security and privileges to former presidents.

An informed source today stated that Yameen submitted his request for the office operating expenses via a letter, signed directly by him, to the Ministry of Finance on the 10th of this month.

The state provides funds for former presidents to run their offices for social activities only upon official application by the former president. Since Yameen had not submitted an application until now, the funds were never released.

It is understood that the Ministry of Finance has now requested legal advice from the Attorney General’s (AG) Office regarding the possibility of releasing these funds with backdated effect. An official from the AG's Office confirmed this request to Mihaaru News today.

"A request for such advice has been made by the Finance Ministry. However, no advice has been provided on the matter so far," said an official from the Attorney General's Office.

Under the law, former presidents are allocated MVR 175,000 monthly, meant for office operation and social work. Since leaving office, Yameen has requested a total of MVR 14.7 million for these expenses but only applied for them recently, despite spending considerable time in prison.

During a parliamentary session, he faced criticism from MP Ibrahim Falah, who claimed Yameen conducted political activities at home using state funds, implying public perception links his residence activities to state financial support.

Although Yameen did not request funds for office operations, he has received other state benefits, totaling MVR 8.1 million since 2019. This includes annual disbursements of MVR 600,000 each for his residence and financial allowance.

Initially, in 2019, only MVR 73,000 was allocated for both aspects. Yameen also reclaimed MVR 2.4 million in benefits withheld during his prison term for corruption, which were released post his appeal stage in January 2022.