Villa Foundation donates MVR 228,000 to Meemu Muli Council

Villa Foundation has donated MVR 228,000 to Meemu Muli Council for the construction of a minaret in the island.

President of Muli Council Moosa Naseer told Sun that the money was deposited to the council’s account two days ago.

“We requested Gasim, about one year ago, for funds to construct a minaret. This money has been deposited,” he said.

Presidential candidate of Jumhooree Coalition Gasim Ibrahim said that efforts are ongoing by Villa Foundation to provide assistance as requested by island schools.

Earlier, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) reminded in a statement the laws and regulations regarding the provision of material and financial assistance by candidates when trying to gain public support.

ACC referred to Articles 28 (a) and 27 ( b) of the Elections (General) Act, and stated that campaign activities to gain support for candidates does not include providing financial or material assistance, and that it is an offence to engage in or attempt to engage in such activities.

ACC also included in its statement Article 5 (a) of the Prevention and Prohibition of Corruption Act, which states that with regard to task or interaction undertaken, or to be undertaken by a member of the public or the government or a government venture, it is an offence for a person on his own or through an agent to accept bribery, to request for bribery, to agree to accept bribery, to bribe, agree to bribe or propose to offer bribery in order to lessen the burden, to ease, to benefit, or to give any advantage whatsoever.

Gasim’s spokesperson Ibrahim Khaleel said that Gasim resigned from Villa Foundation long ago, and that donations made by Villa Foundation have nothing to do with Gasim.