The political history of the Maldives is laden with serious corruption scandals which have forced the public to repeatedly question the integrity of government and public officials.
The Fisheries Project Implementation Department (FPID) corruption case emerged in 1990 during the three decade rule of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
In 2016, the biggest graft scandal in the tiny island nation’s history was uncovered with around USD90 million embezzled through the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).
The last Administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had also grappled with widespread corruption, with several state-owned corporations almost drained dry.
Such transgressions stemming from the highest levels of successive governments are etched as the darkest days of the country’s history.
Incumbent President Dr Mohamed Muizzu took office in November 2023 with the promise to do better, taking a Zero Tolerance firm stance on corruption and abuse of power.
Putting words into action, President Muizzu began a systematic overhaul of the country’s systems of governance and oversight to ensure complete transparency and accountability the public has been crying out for years.
Despite his best efforts, this Administration has now been rocked by allegations of fraud and corruption in the allocation of land and flats under the previous government’s housing scheme.
But true to his promise to the people, swift action has been taken in less than 24 hours the scandal came to light. Dozens of high level officials including the entire board of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) at the forefront of the scandal have been suspended.
Police along with the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) have been assured full autonomy to conduct the investigation.
Such prompt and unyielding measures are unprecedented and proves that President Muizzu will remain true to his words.
"I want to assure you that we will run our government free of corruption. Also, if anyone in our government is found to have done so, swift legal action will be taken without hesitation. There will be no compromise on that,” President Muizzu assured the people in his address on Anti Corruption Day last year.
When push came to shove, President Muizzu continued to stand firmly behind his statement, as promised, without hesitation, without compromise.
After the housing scheme came to light, President Muizzu sent a stern warning to the head of state-owned corporations.
Anyone found to have engaged, facilitated or overlooked any form of corruption or abuse of power will face harsh consequences, was the message from the President.
Systematic corruption and abuse of power has been the fall of successive governments with the ire of the people evident in election results.
“I will not tolerate corruption in any way or form.”
This resounding message by President Muizzu will resonate across the island nation and into the hearts and minds of the people.