Public Accounts Committee Presses Fenaka for Clear Disciplinary Action in Corruption Probe
Public Accounts Committee meeting held on Thursday. | Photo: People’s majlis
The Public Accounts Committee has called on Fenaka Corporation to take firm disciplinary action against employees implicated in alleged procurement misconduct, after the company revealed that senior staff suspected of wrongdoing have been transferred rather than suspended or dismissed.
Appearing before the committee on Thursday, Fenaka Managing Director Major (Retired) Mohamed Najah said an internal investigation is ongoing. He said that action would be taken “in accordance with the law” once the investigation concludes and evidence is verified.
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“We are currently carrying out an internal investigation and preparing a report. Once completed, the law and regulations will permit dismissal and legal action,” he said, responding to a question from Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Gafoor Moosa.
Gafoor argued that those alleged to have engaged in corruption should have been suspended pending inquiry, rather than moved to other posts.
MPs expressed dissatisfaction with Fenaka’s decision to keep the employees accused of involvement in the alleged misconduct. Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim said the committee expects to be provided with a list of implicated employees and to receive updates on the measures taken. Other members of the committee also voiced concern over the pace and approach of the inquiry, stressing the importance of accountability and transparency.
Najah told the committee that the company is in the process of restructuring its workforce, a step he said would address issues highlighted by the Auditor General, including excessive staffing. He said the restructuring is targeted for completion before the end of the year.
The corruption allegations relate to procurement and financial management practices during the period between 2021 and 2023. Fenaka’s former Managing Director Mohamed Saeed has already been convicted and sentenced to more than four years in prison on corruption-related charges.
