The Secretary General of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Abdul Matheen Mohamed has said that seeking to determine the amount of debt incurred by PPM is not important. He added that the actual significance is warranted by whether the State hands over finances owed to the party.

Matheen spoke to One Online and said that while there is talk circulating regarding debts incurred by PPM, he himself feels embarrassment for the amount owed to the party by the State.

The Secretary General of PPM said that while the party owes money to Island Aviation Services Ltd. and Public Service Media (PSM), a debt is also owed due to the recent Presidential election. He added that the debts can only be paid off once the amount owed to the party by the State as a political party for the year 2018 is received.

Matheen informed that while PPM has submitted a letter to the Ministry of Finance regarding the amount owed, they have yet to receive a letter in response. He reiterated however that the Ministry has confirmed over a phone call that the finances will be returned to the party.

He said that as per rules, the State cannot withhold finances owed to PPM and pointed out that the decision regarding ownership of the party has also now concluded in the courts.

Additionally, Matheen said that at this time, PPM is working to converse and resolve the issue of finances owed to the party by the State. He added that if a solution is not reached through communication, the party is also prepared to resort to submitting the case at court.

Matheen reported that while MVR 3.8 million is owed to Island Aviation Services Ltd., the party is set to receive MVR 8.6 million from the State. He pointed out that this resolved any debt incurred by PPM.