President Abdulla Yameen has said that there are no issues with 'stealing in advance'.
While he was heavily criticized during an opposition gathering in neighboring Sri Lanka on Monday evening, the incumbent president responded to these at a ruling party event later in the night.
Speaking at a gathering in Dhuvaafaru island of Raa atoll, President Yameen said that capital Malé City was rubbish when he came into power, adding that he 'saved' it and that he is working to do the same in all inhabited islands in the country.
"Hence, it is okay to steal in advance", he added.
This is the first time that the president has spoken on the subject in such a manner, Maldives saw its biggest corruption scandal during the current administration and President Yameen has admitted to receiving USD one million through the company implicated.
Joint Opposition's candidate for September's ballots, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that if elected, his administration will begin seeking the millions stolen from the state 'on the first day'.
