The best way to prevent corruption is to act against it while in power: Ihusan

Home Minister Ali Ihusan has said that the most effective way to prevent corruption is to take action against it while holding a position of responsibility.

His remarks came in response to the opposition's plans for a major anti-corruption rally in Malé.

Posting on his official X account, Ihusan addressed the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which is currently organizing a large-scale protest against corruption. He emphasized that those in positions of power must take concrete steps to prevent corruption and ensure accountability for those engaging in corrupt practices.

He further questioned the true motives behind the opposition’s rally, pointing out that the MDP was in power for the past 15 years but failed to take meaningful action against corruption during that time.

He said that while the current administration is taking real steps to address years of entrenched corruption, these opposition-led rallies seem less about addressing corruption and more about pursuing another agenda.

Ihusan’s comments follow recent high-profile corruption convictions. This week, the Criminal Court sentenced Ahmed Saeed, former Managing Director of Fenaka Corporation under the MDP government, to four years in prison for abusing his position for personal gain. Additionally, the court sentenced former Maldives Gas Managing Director Abdullah Maumoon to 12 years in prison on two counts of bribery.

The opposition rally is scheduled to take place in Malé on Friday evening. Former President Mohamed Nasheed posted on X, calling the movement a non-partisan initiative and inviting everyone to join the demonstration against corruption.