Corruption allegations of Maldive Gas MD remains unresolved after a year

More than a year has passed since the Managing Director of Maldive Gas Shazail Siyam was suspended over complaints lodged with the anti-corruption portal of the President’s Office.

The complaint was lodged with the “Zero Tolerance Portal” of the President’s Office on October 16, 2019. 

An ACC media official said to Sun that the matter is still being investigated. 

“We are targeting to conclude the investigation next month.” Said an ACC official.

Details of the case against Shazail was not disclosed. Shazail is a member of the Maldives Reform Movement, a political party lead by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

The President’s Office has previously said that the complaint against Shazail was based on credible information. ACC is investigating the fluctuated purchases by Maldive Gas against set policies. 

Shazail has previously denied the claims and maintained that he ran the company according to the law which was evident from the statistics. 

“I respect and welcome the decision to suspend me. I can assure everyone that I have not conducted any acts of corruption, in this opportunity.” Said Shazail in a Facebook post. 

Shazail is a nephew of Villingili MP Saud Hussain and was appointed to the post at Maldive Gasin January of last year. He had previously served as the chairman of Kooddooo Fisheries during President Yameen’s administration and even served as the Deputy Fisheries Minister. Before his appointment to Maldive Gas, Shazail served as the Deputy Tourism Minister.