Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has urged Saudi authorities to look into allegations that their funds to the Maldives are being embezzled.

MDP released a statement on Wednesday, welcoming the "progressive agenda of modernization and anti-radicalisation by the Saudi rulers, and their attempts to redefine Saudi Arabi as a country committed to moderate Islamic values".

Noting that it "especially" welcomed news of women being allowed to drive, MDP said that it hoped that "this is symbolic of measure to ensure wider equality and freedoms for women in Saudi Arabia".

"The MDP has always been a staunch advocate for the fundamental rights of women, and believe there should be no barriers for women enjoying full and equal rights," reads the statement.

Furthermore, MDP said that it was "encouraged by the Kingdom's steps towards economic diversification," adding that this is in line with MDP's economic policies.

It also noted that the party believes that "these progressive measures will be consistent with the leadership role Saudi Arabia aspires to play in the Islamic community and the modern world".

In addition, MDP welcomed the new anti-corruption drive introduced by Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman, calling on the authorities to "look into allegations that funds allocated by Saudi Araba for the development of the Maldives has been embezzled resulting in funds not reaching its rightful place for the economic benefit of Maldives".

The party also condemned the recent attempted ballistic attack on the country's capital, Riyadh, by the Houthi militia.