MNDF, Police, Customs heads should publicize financials: Azaan

Ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq (Central Hithadhoo) has stated today that the law must be amended to require heads of State owned enterprises, MNDF, Police, and Customs to publicize financial statements as well. 

During today's parliament sitting, Azaan stressed the urgent need to implement an amendment mandating financial disclosure by State heads. 

Azaan's made these remarks while speaking in favour of a bill submitted by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP for North Galolhu Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) calling for an amendment to the Audit Act requiring financial statements of members of independent institutions to be publicized and sent to the Auditor General.

"In addition to this, we also need to require heads of government companies, SOEs, MNDF, Police, Customs and other such institutions to disclose financials in this same way," Azaan stated. 

Azaan alleged that at the end of every five year term, the heads of SOEs appear to have gained wealth, a recurring pattern for which no preventive mechanism currently exists. 

"Mandating financial statements to be disclosed is one step we can take towards preventing this," Azaan said. 

Azaan further said that spouses and children of such officials should also be required to disclose financials, as this is the international best practice. This is necessary because it is common practice for those in high positions in Maldives to transfer assets to members of their families, he said. 

MP Mohamed Ibrahim also submitted a bill proposing cabinet ministers be required to submit financial statements. This bill was accepted in parliament yesterday with support from the PNC majority. 

He also proposed an amendment to the parliament regulations where MPs will have to submit a statement indicating financial status at the time of being elected within 30 days of taking oath of office.  The General Purpose Committee decided today to table this for later consideration.