No accusations made by ACC, signs that Maseeh can be removed: Faris

Dhiggaru Constituency MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon says that he was summoned to Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Tuesday not on any case, but to clarify information. He said this was a sign that the no confidence motion against Parliament Speaker Abdullah Maseeh will be passed.

The MP was summoned to ACC at 10.30 Tuesday morning. He was accompanied to ACC by Thulusdhoo Constituency MP Mohamed Waheed Ibrahim, Nolhivaram Constituency MP Hussain Areef, Kendhoo Constituency MP Ali Hussain and senior officials of the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) faction loyal to Faris’ father, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Faris had previously said that he was being summoned to ACC in order to intimidate before the no confidence motion on the Speaker.

Speaking to press after 30 minutes inside ACC, Faris said that he was not summoned over any cases. He added that he was not under investigations by any institutions or commissions. Faris refuse to divulge why he was summoned to ACC, stating that that it was against ACC laws and regulations. He did say that he was summoned to clarify information on an ongoing case.

MP Faris said that the sudden summons was questionable. He said it was public knowledge how long it took for ACC to begin investigations on a matter filed to ACC.

Faris added that it was astonishing that he was summoned to ACC, noting that this was an attempt to influence and hamper the motion at Parliament. He called on all Parliament Members not to hesitate in their will and stated that he will not back down.

He noted that such challenges will become more common in the days leading up to the vote. However, he said that as the motion was being pushed through the legal channels, there would not be many measures that can be implemented.

MP Faris added that these were signs that Maseeh’s vote will progress as planned. He said this was a clear indication that there was an acceptance that the vote will pass.