Adam Shamil defends ACC’s independence, calls for budget reform via Parliament

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) President Adam Shamil on Wednesday expressed concern over the reduced budget allocated to the commission for next year, while asserting that the government does not exert any influence over its operations.

Shamil made the remarks during a meeting of Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee, where the ACC’s annual report for 2024 was submitted.

He noted that the proposed budget for 2025 allocates MVR 47 million to the ACC, down from MVR 52 million this year. Shamil said the commission often has to request additional funds from the Finance Ministry once the government-approved budget is exhausted, which poses operational challenges.

Highlighting that Maldives is a signatory to the UN Convention Against Corruption, Shamil cited the Jakarta Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies, which calls for legislatures to allocate budgets for such bodies. He pointed out that Parliament already passes a separate budget for the Auditor General’s Office and argued that the same should apply to the ACC.

“The Independent Institutions Committee knows our performance, challenges, and capabilities best,” he said. “That’s why we are advocating for a parliamentary role in budget allocation, it aligns with international best practices.”

Shamil acknowledged the need for budgetary oversight but stressed that the current allocation is insufficient. “I believe the Finance Ministry has difficulty understanding some of the challenges we face,” he added.

During the session, Kelaa MP Abdulla Shareef (PNC) asked whether the ACC had faced any external influence, amid public allegations questioning its independence.

Shamil responded that while delays in investigations may lead to such perceptions, they are often due to procedural requirements within the criminal justice system and the commission’s limited technical capacity and resources.

“But I don’t believe there has ever been any influence over us, certainly not by any government since I assumed this role, and not by the current administration,” he said. “As the most senior official in charge, I believe I operate without influence.”

His remarks come as the ACC has accepted a case filed against him by former Supreme Court Justice Azmiralda Zahir. The case was filed after Azmiralda and Justices Husnu Al Suood and Mahaz Ali Zahir were suspended on February 26, following a letter from the ACC to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) stating that a criminal probe was underway.

Suood later resigned, while the PNC-majority Parliament dismissed Azmiralda and Mahaz without giving them an opportunity to respond.

The ACC has also faced criticism over perceived inconsistencies in how it handles cases. President Mohamed Muizzu recently remarked that corruption is most prevalent in lower- and mid-level public sector jobs, prompting further scrutiny of the commission’s performance.