1143 people who were convicted of stealing money from state coffers were given jobs and promotions in Maumoon’s regime

1143 people who were convicted of stealing money from the state coffers were given jobs and promotions during President Maumoon’s administration. This is an estimated number and it is likely that this number will be more than this if checked from official government records.

Among these 1143 people includes people who stole millions from government companies and offices. Also, the norm during those days was not to prosecute a lot of people who commit such crimes. Just by ‘seeing’ a senior political figure, anyone can go scot-free after commit these serious crimes.

While this is the reality, saying that the current government has started offering jobs to corrupt people is not true because this has been the norm in Maldives for a long time.

If we consider these 1143 cases, that is more than 38 cases within the span per year of Maumoon.s 30 years. Also, it should be noted that these types of cases increase when presidential elections are near during those days.

An example of such a case is, the case of a Junior Island Chief who stole 80,000 Rufiyaa but was not prosecuted and given a promotion because the elections were close. During those days 80,000 Rufiyaa was 8 million Rufiyaa in present day values.

Even if we look at all the audit reports of Maldives, we can see how os these things happen in Maldives. There are people who should have their limbs cut, roaming around freely and in high positions.

People who were convicted of corruption during Maumoon regime are still serving in government positions. They were given these jobs not because it was impossible to find replacement.

The truth is, offering jobs to thieves will encourage them to steal more and others to steal. Even President Maumoon mentioned these two nights ago. However, he did not explain why he did it when he was the President.