News Desk
MALÉ — Ahmed Saleem, the Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis, has asserted that while corruption has long been a feature of Maldivian public life, the transition to a democratic system served as a catalyst that allowed the vice to spiral out of control.
Saleem, the PNC lawmaker for Eydhafushi, made the comments during a parliamentary debate regarding allegations of politically-motivated layoffs within state-owned enterprises. Arguing that previous administrations had failed to implement meaningful safeguards against graft, Saleem suggested that the mechanics of the democratic system, as implemented in the Maldives, had inadvertently facilitated an environment where corruption could flourish.
“Corruption has existed for a long time, but since the introduction of democracy, it has reached extreme levels,” Saleem told the chamber. He contended that the shift in governance failed to bring the institutional maturity necessary to curb the misuse of public funds, instead creating systemic vulnerabilities that successive governments have been unable to address.
While acknowledging that the complete eradication of corruption remains a significant challenge—noting that it persists even in highly developed nations—Saleem argued that rigorous enforcement is the only path forward. He advocated for the implementation of strict measures to regain control over state finances.
Saleem pointed to the ongoing work of parliamentary committees as a sign of progress, claiming that current oversight efforts are beginning to correct long-standing irregularities within government operations. He further offered assurances that the legislature would prioritise cost-reduction measures and policies aimed at closing the loopholes that facilitate financial mismanagement.
The Deputy Speaker’s comments land amid intense public frustration over the handling of large-scale national projects, which are frequently dogged by allegations of impropriety. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has faced mounting criticism from the public for what many describe as a lack of efficacy in investigating high-level corruption.