Parliament decides to investigate the alleged oil business worth US$800 million

Parliament decides to investigate the alleged illegal oil business worth US$800 million. The allegations say that the business was owned by Abdulla Yameen Abdul Qayyoom, leader of People’s Alliance and brother of the former president, and it is alleged that former president also was involved. The matter was brought to the parliament by MP Mohamed Mustafa of Thimarafuhsi constituency.

In the parliamentary session today, 52 among 67 members voted in favor of investigating the matter, while 11 MPs opposed. The matter has been assigned to National Security Committee of the parliament, speaker of the parliament announced.

When the voting was about to take, Hon. Qasim Ibrahim of Maamigili constituency took a point of order and said that when the institutions for investigation is mentioned in the constitution and when the president has the right to form independent commissions for such investigations, there is no need to investigate the matter in the parliament. Qasim also said that doing such would weaken the judiciary.

MP Mohamed Mustafa said that the Presidential Commission does not have the capacity to investigate this matter. He also said that this matter can only be investigated with the help of Interpol.

Abdulla Yameen Abdul Qayyoom, said that the business was legal, and no one can prove the allegations.