Interim leader of People’s National Congress (PNC) and MP for Fonadhoo constituency MP Abdul Raheem Abdulla has said that the state owes approximately MVR 18 million to PPM. PNC and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) have jointly formed the “Progressive Congress Coalition”.

MP Abdul Raheem said this at a press conference held by the Progressive Coalition.

He said that while the third month of the year has arrived, funds owed to PPM by the state also includes this year’s sums as well.

MP Abdul Raheem said that while PPM owed MVR 3.8 million to Island Aviation Services, the funds can only be paid after the party acquires what is owed.

He noted that if PPM owes any funds to the government, then the government can deduct the amount and still provide the remaining to the party. As such, the interim leader of PNC said that the MVR 3.8 million owed was spent on the cost of travel during previous Presidential elections.

He said that while the initial cause for withholding the funds owed had been due to a pending PPM court case, there are no further obstructions anymore.

MP Abdul Raheem said that the Elections Commission had ordered the Ministry of Finance to release funds to PPM on the day that the party’s Supreme Court case had concluded. He added that a letter has also been submitted to the Ministry regarding the funds owed by the state to PPM.