Suspended officials can only be reinstated after investigation concludes: spokesperson

President’s office spokesperson has said that the government officials that were suspended over transactions conducted with the private company used to launder millions from the state, can only be reinstated “after the investigation concludes.”

“They were asked to stay at home until the Anti-Corruption Commission’s investigation concludes,” said Ibrahim Hoodh, adding that they were penalized under the government’s newly adopted 'Zero Tolerance Policy.'

While the anti-corruption body’s controversial report on the biggest corruption scandal in the country’s history was publicized last Thursday, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took immediate action against those included in its list.

As such, Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof and State Minister at the Planning Ministry Akram Kamaaludheen have been asked to stay home until further notice. In addition, board member at the Island Aviation Services, Ahmed Azim and Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC)’s chairman Ahmed Mausoom have since been suspended as well.

Following their suspension, both Mahloof and Akram sent tweets saying they "respect" the president's decision, calling to expedite the investigation into the matter.

In its 776-page report, ACC publicized names and details of 155 individuals who had received funds from the private company, SoF.

However, in a statement released later, the Commission emphasized that its report “does not state that all in the list were involved in corruption.”