Bodufolhudhoo Council: Media reports regarding audit findings are false
The AA. Bodufolhudhoo Council has dismissed media reports alleging that MVR 1.4 million is missing from its budget as false and unfounded. Clarifying the discrepancy in its financial statements, the council stated that the issue was not due to embezzlement but rather a technical error within the "Viya" accounting module used for recording transactions. Consequently, the council has urged media outlets to refrain from spreading irresponsible news that misleads the public and obscures the facts.
President Muizzu during a meeting held with the AA. Bodufolhudhoo Council. | Raajje MV
The AA. Bodufolhudhoo Island Council has issued a strong condemnation against several local media outlets, accusing them of spreading false and misleading information regarding the council's 2024 audit report.
In a press release, the Bodufolhudhoo Council stated that news reports published by some media outlets under the headline "MVR 1.4 million missing from Bodufolhudhoo Council budget" are irresponsible and distort the truth. The Council emphasized the need to clarify the matter, noting that such reports could create a negative public perception of the institution.
The council stated that the media reports failed to include the specific guidance and recommendations provided by the Audit Office regarding the matter. The council characterized this omission as an irresponsible act that violates established journalistic standards.
Clarifying the issues identified in the financial statement, the council stated that the discrepancies were not the result of embezzlement or missing funds. Instead, the council attributed the matter to administrative and technical errors within "Viya," the module used for recording financial transactions.
The Auditor General’s Office has stated that if any audit reveals instances of embezzlement or unexplained financial discrepancies within an institution, the audit report will explicitly mandate that the matter be referred to investigative authorities for further inquiry.The statement was released by the AA. Bodufolhudhoo Island Council.
Furthermore, the Bodufolhadhoo Council has stated that efforts are currently underway to resolve the ongoing technical issue, with the assistance of relevant institutions and technical experts.
The Bodufolhudhoo Island Council has urged all Maldivian media outlets to refrain from distorting facts solely for the purpose of attracting readers. The Council further appealed to the press to verify information and report responsibly, in accordance with established journalistic codes of ethics.
