Parliamentary inquiry launched into MACL over payments to non-working staff and media outlets

A case has been submitted to Parliament regarding Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) allegedly issuing payments to inactive employees and various media outlets.

In a letter addressed to Speaker of the People’s Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla, the Member of Parliament for the Kanditheemu constituency, Ameen Faisal, has highlighted several key concerns regarding this matter.

The case, submitted on the 15th of this month, highlights significant public concern regarding reports and circulating documents alleging that Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) spends 2.4 million MVR monthly on salaries for political appointees who do not report to work. Ameen stated that expending company funds on individuals who do not work or provide any benefit to the organization increases operational costs and diminishes profitability. He further noted that this would ultimately result in lower dividend payments to the government, characterizing the practice as a substantial indirect burden on the state treasury.

Furthermore, the letter alleges that Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has been paying substantial monthly sums to various media outlets under the guise of corporate promotion. Ameen noted that an analysis of these payments reveals that funds were being distributed even to several obscure media platforms with no significant following. Ameen further argued that there is no justification for such marketing expenditures to attract business, given that Velana International Airport is currently struggling to accommodate flight operations and provide services at a level that meets existing demand. Under these circumstances, he stated, there is absolutely no reason to incur additional promotional costs.

Ameen characterized this as a clear act of misappropriation of state funds rather than a political matter. He further stated that such actions are explicitly defined as criminal offenses under Maldivian law. The specific legal provisions highlighted in the letter are:

Constitution of the Republic of Maldives (2008)

Article 16: State resources shall be utilized solely for the public interest.

Article 61: Citizens have the right to know how public funds are being expended.

Penal Code (9/2014)

Section 513: Exerting Undue Influence to Provide Unlawful Benefits.

Section 514: Abuse of Official Authority.

Article 515: Illicit Enrichment.

Article 516: Embezzlement of State Property and Funds.

Article 517: Intentionally causing loss to the State in a matter that is beneficial to the State.

Anti-Corruption Commission Act

Corruption is defined as the abuse of power, the facilitation of illicit enrichment, and the exertion of political influence.

Public Finance Act

State funds must be managed and expended in an accountable manner, in strict accordance with the law.

Employment Act

Wages should be commensurate with the work performed.

Salaries and allowances must not be paid for days on which an employee does not report to work.

Ameen stated that under these laws, the responsibility for the misappropriation of state funds lies not only with those receiving the payments but also with those who authorize and facilitate such transactions. He noted that spending large sums on non-essential matters constitutes an abuse of official position for personal gain or to provide undue benefits to interested parties. He further warned that if these practices are allowed to continue unchecked, the state will face severe financial losses.

Ameen further noted that these issues persist because the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Auditor General have failed to take adequate measures. He emphasized that when laws are not enforced, such irregularities become embedded within the system. Ameen has requested that the senior management of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) be summoned before the relevant parliamentary committee to provide a clear explanation of the ongoing situation.