MDP files corruption case against Fenaka director

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has a filed a case with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against the Fenaka Corporation’s Managing Director, for alleged malfeasance.

The opposition’s case states that MD Ahmed Shareef, who had previously represented the Thimarafushi constituency in parliament, had travelled to Thimarafushi island recently where he reportedly asked potential MDP candidates for the upcoming local elections, now scheduled for April, to surrender such aspirations.

Those that do where promised employment in government. The MDP added that former MP Shareef had made such promises previously as well.

In the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) rally, Shareef told citizens of the island that Thimarafushi would be best served under a council with a PPM majority. MDP further alleged that Shareef had threatened to bring structural changes to the utilities on the island if the party he supports does not acquire enough votes from the region, which he would have the power to do.

“I want to say, right here and now, that if you are looking to contest the elections on an MDP or independent ticket, abandon this thought” the Managing Director said “If it’s employment you want, that can be guaranteed, if we all work together there is no reason PPM cannot win the elections”.

The Fenaka had on Saturday announced that its employees had acquired 2,300 new memberships for PPM, in line with the party’s efforts to boost member count to 150,000. Last week, PPM had announced hefty rewards – including a trip to Bangkok and cash prices – for individuals that bring in the most memberships.

Section 14 of the the Prevention and Prohibition of Corruption Act states that use of state resources for personal or political gain constitutes graft and malfeasance. If found guilty, Shareef could face banishment, imprisonment, or house arrest of upto three years.