Saleem says corruption has existed in Maldives for generations and worsened with democracy

Corruption has existed in the Maldives since ancient times, and has reached extreme levels since the introduction of democracy, Deputy Speaker and Eydhafushi PNC MP Ahmed Saleem said Wednesday.

Debating a resolution submitted by Kendhoo MDP MP Mauroof Zakir regarding politically motivated dismissals in state-owned companies under the guise of cost-cutting, Saleem said no previous government had taken meaningful steps to reduce corruption.

“When we talk about corruption, corruption has been there since the beginning. It has not been stopped by anyone. So it has been going on, especially since this so‑called democracy came, and when it went out of hands,” Saleem said.

He said corruption cannot be fully eliminated, but drastic measures can reduce it. Saleem also noted that corruption cases continue to emerge even in developed countries.

“There has been no effort to stop corruption cases as much as we have done during this term,” he said, referring to the work of parliamentary committees.

Saleem said the committees have improved certain aspects of government operations and will continue working to prevent corruption and reduce state expenditure.

Corruption remains a growing concern in the Maldives, with complaints surfacing over irregularities in various development projects across the country. The public also frequently alleges that the Anti‑Corruption Commission does not investigate such cases properly.