ACC registers case alleging forced recruitment of members into PNC through intimidation and coercion

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has officially registered a case involving allegations that employees of state-owned enterprises are being forcibly recruited into the People’s National Congress (PNC) through intimidation and coercion.

In a formal notice sent to Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem), the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) confirmed that the case has been officially registered. The Commission further stated that it would provide any necessary clarifications regarding the matter to the extent permitted by its procedures.

This is the case submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) by Maaz Saleem on September 6.

Regarding this issue, Saleem stated that a large number of people are being coerced into joining President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s party, the PNC, through intimidation and threats of job termination.

Reports have emerged alleging that employees are being dismissed for refusing to sign up as members of the People's National Congress (PNC), with claims that intimidating messages are being sent to their mobile phones. Specifically, it has been noted that management at state-owned enterprises, including STELCO and Fenaka, are reportedly sending threatening messages to their staff.

Saleem stated that the activity was being carried out as an official task through the human resources departments of the companies, following formal instructions. The complaint further highlighted that after the matter was exposed by the media, STELCO unlawfully suspended the employee working in the HR department.

The statement further alleged that employees affiliated with the MDP are being terminated without notice under the guise of "right-sizing" state-owned enterprises. Saleem charged that these actions are a sign of the Maldives drifting toward communism, claiming that citizens are being coerced into joining the ruling party, mirroring the practices of communist states.

He further stated that a case had previously been filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding allegations that Home Minister Ali Ihusaan spearheaded efforts to recruit members for the PNC using the Department of National Registration (DNR) database. However, he noted that no effective action has been taken on the matter.

In his letter, Maaz Saleem asserted that the failure of independent institutions to investigate the government's blatant illegalities is clear evidence of their legal failure. He further called on the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to immediately investigate and take action against these crimes, which he characterized as acts of intimidation against the public through the abuse of official power.