President Muizzu Takes Strong Measures Against Corruption in Government and SOEs
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has taken significant steps to combat corruption in the government and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). His administration has placed great emphasis on transparency and accountability, ensuring that no individual or institution is above the law.
Recently, a major land corruption scandal involving the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has brought the issue of corruption to public attention. The Maldives Police Service has initiated a criminal investigation into allegations of land allocation to unqualified individuals under the previous government’s Binveriya scheme. The issue came to light when HDC sought permission from the Housing Ministry to build walls on lands allocated under the scheme, revealing discrepancies with the database information. This revelation has sparked public outrage and calls for swift and decisive action from the government.
Immediate Government Response
President Muizzu’s administration acted swiftly in response to the scandal. All board members of HDC, except Chairman Ahmed Nasif, have been suspended pending the police investigation. Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed has also been relieved of his duties until further notice. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has also launched a separate investigation into the matter, further reinforcing the government’s strong anti-corruption stance.
In addition to suspending the suspected individuals, President Muizzu has ordered a comprehensive review of HDC’s processes and safeguards to prevent future occurrences. This includes a thorough audit of all land allocations and increased scrutiny in future land distributions to ensure transparency and fairness.
Long-term Anti-Corruption Measures
At a ceremony marking International Anti-Corruption Day, President Muizzu reaffirmed his commitment to running a corruption-free government. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in the fight against corruption and called on citizens to abandon practices that facilitate misconduct. The President’s administration has introduced several initiatives to directly address corruption, including the establishment of the Maldives National Anti-Corruption Academy. This institution aims to train and develop human resources for investigating economic crimes and corruption.
President Muizzu’s focus extends beyond punitive measures to fostering integrity and ethical conduct. He has called for sincerity, diligence, honesty, and religious piety, particularly among those in high positions.
Public and Institutional Support
The government’s efforts have received widespread public support, with many viewing these measures as positive steps towards a more transparent and accountable government. The introduction of tools such as the Corruption Risk Self-Assessment Toolkit and the Maldives Anti-Corruption Trust Fund further demonstrates the government’s commitment to eradicating corruption. These tools are designed to help institutions and individuals identify and mitigate corruption risks.
In conclusion, President Muizzu’s swift and decisive actions to combat corruption in the government and SOEs are commendable. His administration’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct lays a strong foundation for building a corruption-free Maldives. By taking immediate action on the HDC scandal and implementing long-term anti-corruption measures, President Muizzu has paved the way for a more just and equitable society.
