The most important task at hand for the new government is retrieving funds stolen by ‘leaders of the current administration’, says former vice president Mohamed Jameel Ahmed.

In an interview with Raajje Television on Monday night, Jameel ‘advised’ the president-elect and his associates to do, adding that they must stop their talk of reform if they are unwilling to do so.

In this regard, Jameel said that there is no reason that the cases of corruption already put forth against President Abdulla Yameen ‘and his cronies’ should not be investigated.

“Whether it was the first lady, parliament members or members of the ruling party’s council, we need to evaluate how they have acquired funds and used them, whether properties or accounts are held in their names or those in their families”, Jameel said.

Jameel, who has lived in self-imposed exile following his removal from office through a no-confidence vote he claims was unfair, also said that Maldives urgently needs laws that deter corruption and illicit gain of wealth.