Reform against graft in action, says tourism minister

Minister of Tourism Moosa Zameer proclaimed Tuesday that the government is reforming its systems to halt and prevent corruption.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office regarding the audit reports released since 2008 which indicate that private entities owe billions of Maldivian Rufiyaa to the state, Minister Zameer stated that the current administration’s ideology is to eradicate all openings that facilitate corruption. He declared that the government is working with involved authorities to bring about the necessary changes.

As an example, he cited the amendments to the lease policy of islands for tourism development. He noted that the current policy mandates the government to officially inform the Auditor General’s Office and Anti-Corruption Committee of island leases in addition to gazetting the transactions in order to ensure transparency.

“According to information I’ve received, other ministries have also adopted similar procedures and, like the Tourism Ministry, are transforming their systems based on the counsel of the Auditor General,” said the minister.

“We’re especially taking steps to prevent facilitation of long-term corruption.”

Supporting the tourism minister’s statements, Attorney General Mohamed Anil declared that reform is already in place in the AG Office. According to AG Anil, the Audit Reports of the past three years did not indicate any issues in the AG Office, which is part of the progress in efforts to stop and prevent graft.