The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) paid travel and food allowance to employees at a higher rate than specified in the public finance regulations, the commission’s audit report for 2012 has revealed.
“The idea that the Maldives, an entirely Muslim country, would open the door for El Al, the Israeli national carrier, and bring the Israeli flag into their country, and bring the Mossad and all the attendants who will come with it, is just absurd to me,” says controversial British politician George Galloway in a video message aired at the Adhaalath party national congress.
The Adhaalath Party has said it will withdraw from its coalition agreement with the government if it permits an Israeli airline to fly to the Maldives.
Accusing President Abdulla Yameen and MPs of treachery and destroying the constitutional order, impeached vice president Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed said he had received threats to his life when he refused to resign.
PPM MP Abdulla Khaleel has also proposed extensive changes to the composition of local councils. Apart from the president and vice president of island, atoll, and city councils, the ruling party lawmaker proposed making other councillors part-time members who would not be involved in day-to-day activities.
More than 100,000 students will take part in a parade in Malé and other islands on Saturday as part of Independence Day celebrations, the home ministry has said. But statistics show there are only a total of 86,799 students in the Maldives.
The opposition has alleged corruption in a new government deal with a Dubai-based marine terminal operator to establish a commercial port and free trade zone near Malé.
The criminal court has acquitted defence minister Moosa Ali Jaleel of terrorism charges related to the detention of a judge, an incident over which former president Mohamed Nasheed has been jailed for 13 years.
The government will charge a US$25,000 application fee from potential investors in its flagship Special Economic Zones.
