News Desk
Malé, Maldives — Concerns are mounting over the Maldives’ failure to secure and manage its strategic institutions, as lawmakers highlight systematic ignorance of prescribed policies and inconsistent governance. Despite no major incidents so far, officials’ inaction and a lack of institutional continuity have left critical sectors vulnerable.
Ahmed Nazim, Deputy Speaker of Parliament and MP for Dhiggaru, delivered a stark warning during a debate on the Drugs Act Amendment Bill, saying that uniformed institutions cannot be trusted to address drug trafficking effectively. He pointed to policy neglect as a key factor undermining efforts to combat systemic issues such as border security.
“We cannot trust the uniformed institutions to look into these issues. Trusting them will not solve this problem,” Nazim said. He called for corrective action against those neglecting responsibilities and emphasized the need to stop individuals who exploit vulnerabilities to commit crimes and acquire unjust wealth.
Nazim highlighted a case involving the reported smuggling of cigarettes aboard a ship belonging to The Hawks and urged the parliamentary 241 Committee to propose strict and enforceable measures to address such issues.
Nazim’s remarks reflect a broader issue: the Maldives lacks a consistent, trained bureaucracy to safeguard institutional policies. Unlike countries with entrenched civil services that ensure continuity regardless of political changes, Maldives sees its institutional memory erased with each government overhaul. Political appointees, often lacking the necessary expertise or background, occupy leadership roles, leading to policy inconsistencies and weak enforcement.
Concerns over institutional oversight are not limited to border security. The management of Velana International Airport’s (VIA) waste disposal recently became a flashpoint after the Ministry of Finance ordered Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to hand over operations to Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO).
The Finance Ministry intervened following criticism over MACL’s October 15 decision to award the waste disposal contract to a private firm, I&C Trading Pvt Ltd, at MVR 250,000 per day. Disputes arose after WAMCO sought a price adjustment to MVR 2,060 per tonne, which MACL rejected.
In a letter signed by Finance Ministry State Minister Hussain Sham Adam, the government reiterated that all waste management operations must adhere to the Economic Council’s mandated rate of MVR 2,660 per tonne. “In accordance with the decision of the Economic Council, you are requested to entrust all waste management activities of your company to Waste Management Corporation Limited at the prescribed rate,” the letter stated.
The issue has sparked speculation on social media, with allegations leveled against some MPs, but relevant authorities have remained silent.
The unfolding developments underscore broader concerns about the Maldives’ ability to secure and manage strategic institutions without clear oversight policies. While the situation remains stable, the absence of decisive governance leaves critical vulnerabilities unaddressed, raising doubts about how long the state can afford to ignore these mounting challenges.
The ongoing dysfunction exposes the Maldives’ vulnerability to governance failures. Without a systematic approach to implementing policies and ensuring institutional consistency, critical sectors remain at risk. While the situation remains stable for now, the absence of a strong, trained bureaucracy and repeated political interference raise questions about how long the country can afford to overlook its vital institutions.
