The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in collaboration with Villa College has launched a national survey on corruption trends in Maldives.
At the signing ceremony ACC member Shiyama Mohamed said there were many different allegations about the level of corruption in various sectors of the Maldives, while some allegations are made with reference to a study, the overall situation is unclear.
She said the study, which begins today, will collect information from all areas alleged with corruption.
Shiyama noted that while it may be questionable that a study is being conducted to look at perceptions of corruption, it is however, important to take into account public perceptions when shaping policies.
"The ACC believes that decisions should be based on scientific findings, or "evidence-based decision making"" Shiyama said.
Shiyama reiterated that the main objective of this study will be to make the fight against corruption evidence-based.
When the ACC study is completed, it will identify the public perception of corruption as well as the corruption trend of the past five years, Shiyama said, describing the study as a sustainable way to prevent corruption.
She said the ACC will always strive to fulfill its responsibility to make Maldives a corruption-free nation.
In addition to investigating corruption cases, ACC is also responsible for promoting the integrity of the state and achieving a society free from corruption.
Within its mandate to prevent corruption offences, ACC is required to conduct research and advise the relevant authorities on measures that can be taken against corruption based on the findings of such research.
The commission is investigating the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption scandal while conducting a major corruption study. In addition, alleged and ongoing cases of government-owned companies have been submitted to the commission.
The commission has developed a priority rule for investigating these cases.
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