President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has unveiled plans for a special asset recovery act aimed at reclaiming funds owed to the state, with a strong emphasis on combating corruption. This announcement was made during a rally organised by the ruling party, People’s National Congress (PNC).
In his address, President Muizzu emphasised the need to investigate and recover money stolen through corrupt practices. He criticised previous administrations for their ineffective efforts, despite significant expenditures and the establishment of presidential commissions dedicated to asset recovery. According to the President, these attempts have not yielded the desired results.
President Muizzu highlighted that the draft bill for the special asset recovery act is currently in progress. He acknowledged the challenges posed by existing laws in reclaiming lost state assets and stressed that the new bill would be crafted to meet international standards, incorporating recommendations from global bodies.
A key aspect of the proposed legislation is its focus on recovering corrupt funds deposited in foreign countries. President Muizzu specifically mentioned the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption case, describing it as one of the most significant corruption scandals in the country's history. He pledged to identify the perpetrators and ensure justice is served.
Furthermore, President Muizzu assured that his administration would work to eradicate the entrenched culture of corruption within the government, promising to govern with honesty and integrity. This commitment marks a pivotal move towards enhancing transparency and accountability in the Maldives' governance.