The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has emphasised its commitment to financial independence, asserting that it will not solely rely on state budgetary allocations. President Adam Shaamil highlighted this during an exclusive interview with PSM News.
Despite a substantial state allocation, Shaamil noted that 80 percent is consumed by employee salaries, office rent, and daily operational expenses, leaving a mere 20 percent for critical obligations such as corruption prevention, investigations, research, and policy formulation.
Shaamil emphasised the ACC's collaboration with state institutions to achieve financial autonomy as a preventive measure against corruption. He also highlighted the Maldives' participation in the International Convention against Corruption, underscoring collaborations with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the UAE to address common financial challenges. Additionally, Shaamil announced plans to forge ties with the Indian Anti-Corruption Commission this year.
Despite these efforts, Shaamil acknowledged the ACC's ongoing struggle to recruit necessary staff within the allocated budget. For 2024, ACC's budget stands at USD 2.9 million, slightly lower than last year's allocation of USD 3 million.