Political

Use the current momentum to curb corruption: Salim Waheed

Deputy Permanent Representative to Maldives Mission in Geneva Salim Waheed has stated that the government should proceed with the current momentum to make sure corruption is nullified in all areas of the country.

Corruption cases have been identified from most institutions in the country, Deputy Permanent Representative to Maldives Mission in Geneva Salim Waheed noted speaking on the efforts of the Government to curb corruption in Maldives. The Deputy Permanent Representative said deep rooted corruption cases have been identified in connection with the attempted coup, including bribery cases which involve a former president and the highest court of the judicial sector.

"What we have to do is make sure that going forward and use the momentum to make sure no one can commit any act of corruption by making sure the transparency of all sectors, making sure all institutions continue to expose places where corruption exists. There is no excuse for corruption at any level," the Deputy Permanent Representative said.

Shedding light on the importance of dialogue when a country is in a political unrest, Deputy Permanent Representative Salim Waheed noted that Maldivian politics is controlled by a few individuals and that it is high time they all come together to sit down to deescalate the situation. Salim Waheed cited that all previous attempts of the Government to conduct party talks failed due to lack of cooperation from the opposition. He said the current political situation is creating irreversible damages to the country.

"The politics of Maldives is in the hand of personalities. It depends on the will of our political leaders. If they come and sit down and are willing to talk without pre conditions things can get better. If there is no dialogue how are things ever going to get better?" the Deputy Permanent Representative said.

Refuting rumors about rifts created among security forces, Deputy Permanent Representative Salim Waheed assured the security forces are dedicated to the county and will honour the oaths they have taken.

Salim Waheed said the opposition is always scheming to convince supporters that there is something wrong in the country or the administration as they assume such acts would keep their prominence in the society. He concluded by emphasising that all Maldivians must prioritise nationalism over individual political views for the benefit of the country.