Ali Hussain: ACC Has Been Redundant Since Its Inception
Legal expert Ali Hussain has characterized the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as a redundant institution lacking independence, noting that it consistently prioritizes investigating the actions of previous administrations over current matters. He asserted that the commission can only achieve true autonomy if its members are directly elected by the public, arguing that under the current system, the body merely operates according to the government's directives.
The office building of the Anti-Corruption Commission. Complainants have alleged that despite numerous cases involving the current administration being submitted to the commission, investigations are not being pursued. | RaajjeMV
Former Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency and legal expert Ali Hussain has stated that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been a redundant institution since its inception, noting that the commission has thus far only focused on investigating matters involving previous administrations.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Ali Hussain heavily criticized the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). He stated that since its establishment on October 16, 2008, the commission has failed to operate independently. He further noted that the commission’s focus remains perpetually fixed on investigating the issues of previous administrations and former cabinet ministers.
Ali Hussain stated that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) must be capable of investigating major corruption cases with the same level of proficiency as the police service. However, he noted that to date, the commission has failed to recover any of the missing funds.
Referring to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, Ali Hussain stated that granting the ruling party a majority in Parliament has essentially provided them the opportunity to govern as a monarchy. He asserted that the country is currently being run like a kingdom, where even members of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) are compelled to act according to the government's directives. He further noted that the ACC members themselves acknowledge this reality.
Despite the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) being labeled an independent institution, I do not believe it truly functions as one in the Maldives. Furthermore, I do not believe the ACC can ever be genuinely independent as long as the Constitution remains in its current form. In my view, members of the Anti-Corruption Commission should be elected directly by the people. Unless they are chosen by a public vote and are subject to removal through a public vote, the members of the ACC will never be truly independent.Legal expert Ali Hussain
Ali Hussain further stated that the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) does not have the authority to instruct the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on how to conduct specific investigations or to expedite them. However, he noted that such interference is currently taking place in a very blatant manner.
Ali Hussain stated that, given the current circumstances, there is no way to ensure the commission's independence.
He therefore stated that the ACC is a redundant institution, wasting millions of rufiyaa in public funds every year.
