Nazil: Up to Five Members of One Household Given Political Appointments, Earning MVR 2M Monthly
7 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ބުދަ 07:20During the debate on the Asset Recovery Bill, MP Nazil expressed significant concern over provisions that allow for the seizure of property before a criminal conviction is secured. Furthermore, the lawmaker criticized the administration, alleging that political appointments are being distributed as a means to facilitate the illicit enrichment of specific individuals.
Ibrahim Nazil, the Member of Parliament for South Hithadhoo and Leader of the MDP Parliamentary Group. | Majilis
Ibrahim Nazil, the Member of Parliament for South Hithadhoo and Leader of the MDP Parliamentary Group, has alleged that the government has appointed up to five members of a single household to political positions to facilitate the accumulation of illicit wealth.
During Wednesday's parliamentary sitting, MP Nazil highlighted the significance of the Asset Recovery Bill during the floor debate. While acknowledging the bill's importance, he noted that certain provisions remain a cause for concern, suggesting that these issues be further reviewed and addressed during the committee stage.
Nazil noted that, under the current design of the bill, assets can be seized even in instances where a criminal conviction has not been secured.
These circumstances include instances where the suspect has deceased, is a fugitive, or where prosecution is impossible due to the high improbability of a successful indictment. The bill also stipulates that an individual's entire asset portfolio may be seized in cases where it is impossible to distinguish between legally acquired property and assets obtained through criminal activity.Ibrahim Nazil
Furthermore, addressing the issue of illicit enrichment, Nazil alleged that the government is distributing political appointments to facilitate such wealth. The MP stated that there are instances where five members of a single household have been granted political positions, noting that some families are receiving as much as 2 million Rufiyaa per month through these appointments.
The bill was introduced on behalf of the government by Ali Fazad, the Member of Parliament for the Fuvahmulah Central constituency.
The bill is designed to ensure that perpetrators of serious felonies face statutory penalties while simultaneously preventing them from benefiting from illicit financial gains by identifying and freezing such assets. Under the proposed legislation, assets can be forfeited to the state upon conviction. Furthermore, the bill outlines specific procedures that allow for the civil forfeiture of assets to the state even without a prior criminal conviction under certain exceptional circumstances.
