Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who has been asked to give a statement to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding an ongoing investigation, has provided dates for when he can be present at the Commission.
The former President, who ruled the nation for 30 years, sent a letter to the Commission on Sunday, informing them that he can present himself to the Commission at 1 pm, either on July 4 of July 5. It added that his defence lawyer, Maumoon Hameed will also join him.
The ACC had, on June 22, sent a letter to the former President, stating that he is required to give his statement regarding the audit reports of 2007 and 2008, for the official presidential residence of Theemuge, adding that he can give the statement at convenient time.
While the ACC noted that he did not have to come in to give his statement, Maumoon, via twitter, insisted that he will go to the Commission, noting that 'the people have the right to know'. He also called on the media to be present when he does so.
I will go to ACC. They don't have to come. Media too must be there so the whole country will see & hear. The people have a right to know.
— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) June 23, 2017
The Anti-Corruption Commission launched an investigation into the case after 10 years, and Maumoon's son, MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon is also being investigated.
Faris, who has been summoned to the ACC and Maldives Police Service a number of times, has denied the allegations against him.
The investigation comes after the former President withdrew support for his half-brother, President Abdulla Yameen's administration. Both brothers have been involved in a dispute since June 2016, and the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has been divided into two factions since.
