Proceeds of Crime Bill has been introduced to keep kickbacks received from sale of Ras Male' a secret: MP Mauroof
6 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 09:15MP Mauroof Zakir has asserted that the bill on asset recovery for proceeds of crime was not introduced by the government in good faith, but is rather an attempt to deceive the public. He further noted that the true objectives of such legislation will remain unachievable as long as the President maintains absolute control over all state institutions.
Member of Parliament for Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir, addresses a sitting of the People's Majlis. | rayyithunge majlis
Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir, has alleged that the proposed legislation on the recovery of illicit assets is a calculated move to conceal kickbacks received from the sale of Ras Male'.
Speaking at Monday's parliamentary sitting, MP Mauroof stated that while the Asset Recovery Bill is a significant piece of legislation, the current administration lacks the sincere intent to implement it effectively. MP Mauroof further noted that although numerous similar bills have been introduced and passed by Parliament in the past, they have failed to produce any tangible results.
MP Mauroof highlighted that during the early stages of the 20th Parliament, legislation was passed to seize illicit enrichment and assets acquired through drug trafficking. However, he noted that the purpose of these laws is being undermined as the President has consolidated control over all state institutions despite the existence of such legal frameworks.
MP Mauroof stated that Section 74 of the bill stipulates that assets can be seized even in instances where a criminal offense has not been proven.
As long as these legal provisions remain in place while total state control is concentrated in the hands of a single individual—the President—we cannot achieve the true objective of addressing illicit enrichment. This remains the case even if the President maintains absolute authority over the Anti-Corruption Commission, the judiciary, the People’s Majlis, and the police service.Mauroof Zakir
MP Mauroof stated that any action must be undertaken with sincere intentions, asserting that the bill was submitted solely to deceive the public and distort the truth.
The bills currently being introduced and debated are a deceptive ploy to mislead the public. This legislation is a facade designed to conceal the illicit kickbacks sought from the sale of Fushidhiggaru, while creating a false impression of accountability to suggest that such actions would not be taken or that the perpetrators would face consequences.Mauroof Zakir
The bill concerning assets acquired through criminal activity was introduced to Parliament on behalf of the government by Ali Fazad, the Member of Parliament for the Fuvahmulah Central constituency.
