Nazim describes questioning in MMPRC graft as ‘threat’

Maldives National Party (MNP)’s leader Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim has described the move by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to question him in connection to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) graft case – which took place when he served as defense minister in former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration – as a “threat” by the government because he is contesting the upcoming presidential election.

Nazim, who serves as the MP for Dhangethi constituency, said in a statement that he was summoned for questioning in connection to the MMPRC graft case on Tuesday and Wednesday.

He questioned the motive behind bringing him in for questioning in a nine-year-old case, and described it as a move to block public support for his politics.

This was a move to block the trust and support the people have in towards me, he said.

Nazim said he has served the state in various positions for over 30 years, and has never engaged in corruption during that time.

“It is of deep concern to me that because of how the state is operating now, independent institutions are prevented from working with independence and autonomy as declared on the Constitution, and their work is getting influenced by the government,” he said.

Nazim said he himself advocates for the recovery of public funds stolen in the MMPRC graft case.

He said he would therefore cooperate with the ACC in its investigation.

He called on state institutions to ensure the upcoming presidential race is a free and fair election, and for the ACC to set aside all political influence.