MP Shamheed expresses concern over potential legal loopholes following the passage of Proceeds of Crime Bill
6 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 09:16Dr. Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for South Hulhumale', has expressed grave concerns over the proposed Asset Recovery Bill, characterizing it as a potential tool for political intimidation. Highlighting the lack of equal legal enforcement in the Maldives, he called for an end to the practice of awarding jobs for political gain and urged the government to stop the misappropriation of state funds.
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency. | rayyithunge majlis
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency, has expressed concern over a potential legal vacuum arising from the proposed Asset Recovery Bill. He noted that the repeal of Sections 192 through 197 of the Criminal Procedure Act, as stipulated in the new legislation, could lead to significant legal gaps.
MP Shamheed expressed these concerns during the debate on the Proceeds of Crime Bill. He noted that despite the introduction of such "complicated" legislation, these laws are often exploited for political purposes. Shamheed further asserted that, to date, such laws have served no purpose other than to intimidate political opponents.
MP Shamheed stated that there is no point in bringing such laws to Parliament and expressing concern over public funds. He further noted that the greatest waste of public money occurs through the creation of redundant jobs, asserting that distributing positions to advance one's own party is a legal offense.
MP Shamheed highlighted that public funds are being used to advance personal status and individual interests without any actual service to one's own party members. He questioned how such actions could not be considered a crime, while someone who steals an item from a shop is branded a criminal.
Furthermore, MP Shamheed stated that the laws of the Maldives are not being applied equally among all citizens.
It is a common refrain that the person who steals a jar of fish paste is the one who ends up in prison. This is a stark reality; in this country, the law is not applied equally to everyone. As long as this inequality persists, no matter how many such laws we bring to Parliament for debate, they will remain futile.Dr. Ahmed Shamheed
Furthermore, Shamheed noted that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is not an institution trusted by any citizen. He pointed out that, to date, the commission's only significant action was the rushed investigation into Supreme Court justices, which ultimately led to the loss of their seats.
