Previous legislations paved way for corruption: Falah

Ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentary group leader and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah during Tuesday’s sitting claimed legislations made in previous administrations paved way for corruption and misconduct.

He called those legislations inefficient, riddled with loopholes allowing significant room to exploit them.

His statements were made while debating on the bail amendment bill, which was recently submitted by Manadhoo MP Husny Mubarik on behalf of the government.

During his debate window, Falah said people have been imprisoned between 10 to 15 years without any clear progress made on their trials. Falah argued the new amendment seeks to resolve unlawful imprisonment and loss of constitutional rights by those jailed wrongfully. He urged expediting the reform to ensure establishment of proper justice.

Falah added many of the existing pieces of legislation are inadequate, many of which “opened doors to corruption and graft.”

“Police claim they do not have much authority because of the inadequate legislation, but when the issue is taken to court, the judiciary might claim police has investigative jurisdiction. Most of these laws have contradictions, and they are inefficient while the [previous] governments have made sure the laws contain loopholes that can be exploited,” Falah said.

The previous administrations, if they had been sincere, would have attempted to bring the same reforms President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has initiated now, said Falah.

He pointed out to pledges during the 19^th parliament assembly to reform the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which he said, never materialized.

Falah also highlighted the Legal Professions Act amendment bill seeking to remove the Attorney General from the executive committee of the Maldives Bar Council, to which he said the state would be restricting one of its discretions with the change, which the MP said is a testament to President Muizzu’s compassion towards his citizens.

“This is why we are certain our President’s intentions are sincere, since he is seeking to limit some of his discretions, which is proof of his love and compassion for the country and its people. It’s not just words. But action,” Falah said.

According to the MP, the amendments and reforms proposed at the 20^th assembly so far, collectively aim to benefit the public and ensure protection of their rights. The current administration earlier announced its intention to submit over 200 legislative bills the parliament.

Highlights of the bail amendment bill:

• Appeal should be made on sufficient grounds

• Adherence to bail terms

• No sufficient grounds for further detention

• Faster preservation of protected computer data

• Procedures to disclose traffic data

• Procedures to inspect and confiscate protected computer data

High Court previously ruled bail is eligible only for suspects arrested on criminal charges.