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Yameen responsible for leasing islands via MMPRC: Ziyath

Ahmed Aiham
10 December 2018, MVT 20:49
Abdulla Ziyath, sentenced to 8 years in prison regarding the grandest embezzlement case in Maldives. PHOTO: NISHAN ALI/MIHAARU
Ahmed Aiham
10 December 2018, MVT 20:49

The former Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Company (MMPRC) Abdulla Ziyath, on Sunday, attributed the decision to lease islands and lagoons through the company to a decision made by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Ziyath stated that MMPRC had broadened their mandate in 2014 by re-routing the money received from leasings to Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) to MMPRC, via former Attorney General Mohamed Anil, under the directive of the former president to meet his tourism-related presidential pledges.

Stating that he is ready to corporate with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's commission on recovering the misused government funds, Ziyath denied any negligence on his part in protecting the money. He also claimed to have been unjustly imprisoned for political gain and expressed wishes that the new administration will be able to establish justice.

Furthermore, the Ziyath alleged that Yameen was aware of all details pertaining to any dealings that may have taken place between MMPRC and other parties in the leasing of islands for resort construction. He added that former Vice-President Ahmed Adeeb had shared the details with Yameen as well.

MMPRC was the centre point for the largest corruption case ever recorded in Maldives. While the former Vice-President was charged for the embezzlement of MVR 1.2 billion, Ziyath was also jailed with an 8-year prison sentence in relation to the case.

Post Yameen and Adeeb's fallout, Ziyath said that he was summoned to the President's Office to give a statement against Adeeb, a request he had denied. Per his statement, Ziyath was arrested shortly afterwards.

According to the former MD, Adeeb was never handed over any payments by the company as the payments made were influenced by powerful forces, in violation of Bank of Maldives (BML) regulations and decisions made by the executive board of MMPRC.

"In the three years I have been imprisoned, I did not speak a word for fear of the dangers I may face. However, the decision to release this statement was born of a surety that this government will establish justice" said Ziyath.

According to Ziyath, he faced multiple health problems during his incarceration. He stated that even though people may try to bury what happened during the scandal, the truth can be uncovered with an impartial investigation and that Ziyath is ready to face any rightful charges should he be found guilty during a fair trial.

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