Corruption, justice missing from Presidential Address

President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s Presidential Address was a remarkable one, especially given that the President had failed to address the twin concerns of corruption and lack of justice.

Clause 48 dictates that the sitting President must deliver his Presidential Address at the first session of the Parlaiment for that year, focusing on the status and issues facing the nation. Even though, the Consitution says this, President had failed to address these aspects in the opening address. As such, President Yameen had not reflected on justice, political situation and corruption.

This is a mark contrast to last year’s Address, in which President Yameen spoke of thse issues. Last year, President Yameen said that establishing justice was a key priority of the Government.

“This Administration is working tirelessly to speed up all that is necessary to maintain the people’s trust and respect in the country’s judiciary. Justice can only be ensured when everyone is treated equally and in the same manner. Some parties have been raising objections to the fact that certain individuals are being prosecuted, through the criminal justice process, for making an arrest outside the law and in contradiction with orders of the court. Such objections weaken the constitution and undermine our institutions shatter all social boundaries. Such actions are not acceptable,” last year’s speech read.

In last year’s speech, President Yameen touched on corruption.

“Actions need to be taken to recover the losses to the State due to negligence in the use of the Administration finances and property, and cases of corruption that have been taking place in the recent years, according to the reports issued by the Anti-Corruption Commission and Auditor General’s Office. Thus, the Attorney General’s Office will begin legal proceedings this year regarding such cases.”

These aspects are notably missing from this year’s Address inspite of the very real concerns the public had over these issues.