ACC’s model not ideal, hesitance in decision-making: Nazim

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament and current Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim has criticized the current operating model of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Nazim said the primary issue with the commission is its hesitance in decision-making.

While speaking on ‘Sun’ Online’s “Editaruge Suvaalu” (Editor’s Questions) program, Nazim said that the parliament has assessed issues related to ACC from multiple angles, and concluded that the five-member commission is not the most ideal model for its operations in the Maldives.

“Three chairs of three separate parliamentary committees have met the ACC president individually since the parliament’s current session began, and we have asked these ‘hard’ questions. We’ve inquired about what their issues are, and why are they unable to perform,” Nazim said.

Chairs of parliament’s Committee on Independent Institutions, Committee on National Security Services (241), and Committee on State Owned Enterprises had met with ACC’s President individually.

While speaking about why ACC was hindered on making crucial decisions, Nazim also acknowledged that all of its members are qualified individuals but criticized they were unable to perform up to expectations.

“This is main issue. This is related to the individuals, and their hesitance to make decisions, or they lack the capabilities. Had ACC been fulfilling its responsibilities, these cases should have been investigated,” Nazim criticized.

Nazim however, noted the commission is currently making crucial decisions.

“Unlike previous governments, they [ACC] are able to make decisions freely now, for instance whether it was the HDC corruption allegations or the FSM case, or even the current case related to Maldives Customs under 241 Committee’s investigation,” Nazim added.

Nazim further affirmed the parliament is relentless in taking necessary action towards reforms.

He also highlighted that individuals have been selected based on merit instead of their political affiliations, but drew contrast between individuals capable of performing their duties and those who failed to do. He assured necessary action against anyone who fails to fulfill their responsibilities.

“We will implore the president directly in matters related to national security, or through subsequent parliamentary approval on committee decisions in other instances, that we need quick resolve for such issues,” Nazim said.

Failure of ACC to conduct investigation into major corruption allegations, has been a recurring concern. While each new government, prior to their ascension, promises autonomy for ACC to conduct their investigations, but to no avail so far.

The commission is currently tasked with handling similar investigations into corruption allegations as well.

Corruption remains one of the major issues in the Maldives, while ACC is allocated with MVR 20 million per annum from the state budget for its responsibilities in stopping such misconduct. However, the state is able to recover only a minor portion of the monies lost through corrupt activities.