He was shifted from one position to another and then reassigned once more. Even at that time, the country was rife with allegations surrounding him. The Privatisation and Corporatisation Board (PCB) has previously suspended him, citing 12 separate accusations, including the appointment of relatives to jobs and the misuse of company resources for political purposes. 
Despite this track record, he continued to be appointed to post after post largely due to the support he enjoyed from the President.
Last night, an audio recording—allegedly belonging to an executive who up until recently headed a state-owned enterprise—was leaked. While it has not been independently verified whether the voice in the recording is genuine, the content itself is undeniable. The language used is shocking, filled with vulgar and street-level words. 
More troubling than the language is the content of what was said. The speaker openly discusses “wringing” a public company, candidly describing acts of corruption in conversation with another senior official. He speaks with arrogance and confidence, seemingly convinced that his actions will never come to light. He even boasts about the “big corruption” he intends to carry out.
Equally concerning are the degrading remarks made about women, which expose a mindset wholly incompatible with senior leadership in a government that claims to uphold strong religious and moral values. Toward the end of the recording, the speaker remarks that if people knew what he was planning, they would cry.
Although the identity of the voice cannot be confirmed with certainty, action has already been taken against some of the officials named in the recording. The sequence of events before and after the leak makes one reality clear: the true character of many individuals considered “important” and holding senior government positions is now being laid bare before the public.
Corruption: The Real Picture
Every five years, the public entrusts governments with power based on promises and pledges. Yet each electoral cycle is followed by allegations of widespread corruption involving public funds. These claims are particularly prominent with respect to state-owned enterprises.
The sudden changes in the lifestyles of company executives, their associates, and political figures speak for themselves. Many assume office with little and leave with significant wealth. This is why corruption has long been—and continues to be—the greatest disease destroying the Maldivian state.
Financial records further highlight this reality. According to PCB accounts, 12 state-owned enterprises recorded losses amounting to 280 million Maldivian Rufiyaa in just the first quarter of last year. Only a handful of companies operate profitably.
More than 30 state-owned enterprises have been established over the years, 22 of which are fully government-owned. Nearly 90 percent operate at a loss, while total SOE debt has exceeded 125 billion Maldivian Rufiyaa.
Appointments and dismissals frequently coincide with election cycles. Many companies are led by political appointees with limited understanding of business management or corporate governance. As a result, enterprises are often compelled to operate beyond their original mandates for political objectives.
For instance, MACL, which manages the national airport, has been tasked with constructing gyms and land reclamation at islands. RDC, created to build roads and already operating at a loss of more than 113 million Maldivian Rufiyaa in a single quarter, has been assigned to construct hospitals. Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation, which struggles to deliver housing, has been contracted to build schools.
Such decisions defy sound business reasoning and place additional strain on sectors such as fisheries and agriculture. However, logic often gives way to political considerations.
The most dangerous trend is not mismanagement alone, but the emergence of open and fearless corruption—where plans to extract illegitimate benefits are discussed even before a term in office ends.
Why is corruption so easy
The underlying cause is straightforward: unqualified individuals are appointed to powerful positions. Merit is disregarded, experience is sidelined, and loyalty becomes the primary qualification.
“When senior positions are not filled based on capability but political obedience, corruption becomes inevitable,” said a former senior official of state-owned companies with formal training in business management.
This pattern remains clearly visible. Corporate entities are frequently led by individuals with no background in governance, global markets, or large-scale management. Some are trained for warfare. Others are former teachers with no exposure to managing complex enterprises. What they share in common is obedience.
Open corruption, no fear
The leaked audio is not an isolated incident. Officials at companies such as Maldives Gas, HDC, MWSC, Fenaka, and STELCO have faced repeated corruption allegations involving serious misuse of public funds.
In response, some individuals are removed from their posts, while others are not. Many later reappear in influential political roles. Investigations rarely reach conclusions, and the public is seldom informed of their outcomes.
Removing someone from a position does not constitute punishment. If allegations are substantiated, prosecution must follow. If they are not, the public deserves clear explanations. The theft of public money is not a minor offence.
“A culture has developed where no matter how big the corruption, there is no real punishment,” said a former judge and legal expert. “That is why people are not afraid.”
Corruption remains the single greatest obstacle to Maldives’ development. Countries such as Singapore and China progressed because corruption was confronted decisively. Status offered no protection, wealth provided no immunity, assets were seized, and punishment was real. The fear of consequences altered behaviour.
Dismissal is not justice
Being transferred from one position to another—or quietly exiting office—does not amount to accountability. Misappropriated funds are not recovered, damage is not compensated, and others are not deterred.
If the Maldives is serious about reform, appointments must be based on merit rather than loyalty. Capable individuals must be entrusted with leadership roles, as is the case in successful nations.
Equally important is the certainty of punishment for wrongdoing, without exception. This requires political sincerity from the President, as well as institutional reform of bodies such as the ACC and the police, ensuring they are free from political influence. An anti-corruption body that answers to politicians cannot effectively combat corruption.
The direction in which the country is heading is evident. The leaked audio serves as a warning. Without swift and decisive action, the nation remains vulnerable to those who treat public funds as personal property.
As stated in the recording, people cry. While a few enrich themselves illegally, a large segment of the population continues to struggle without access to basic services. The public knows what happened yesterday and what is happening today.
 
The tragedy is not ignorance. It is the failure to act.