Weak governance in SOEs is a gateway to theft and corruption: Ibrahim Zahir
25 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | އާދީއްތަ 22:37Ibrahim Zahir, chair of the committee investigating the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) fuel embezzlement scandal, stated that the current systems within state-owned enterprises are structured in a manner that facilitates corruption, noting a lack of adequate effort to strengthen these institutions. Highlighting the significant delays in taking legal action to recover state losses in such cases, Zahir called for urgent reforms to improve corporate governance across all government companies.
Ibrahim Zahir, who chaired the committee responsible for compiling the report on the MPL corruption scandal. | Raajje MV
The primary issue facing state-owned enterprises is the lack of robust governance, which has left these companies without a mechanism for accountability, stated Ibrahim Zahir, who chaired the committee responsible for the MPL embezzlement investigative report.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Zahir stated that the current organizational structures of state-owned enterprises are designed in a manner that facilitates theft and corruption.
Furthermore, he noted that the Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) is constantly seen making changes within various state-owned enterprises. However, he pointed out that there is no visible evidence of adequate efforts being made to actually strengthen or improve the performance of these companies.
Regarding the fuel embezzlement cases at Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), Zahir stated that these matters had been brought to the attention of the relevant authorities; however, no adequate action has been taken thus far.
Zahir, who chaired the committee investigating the MPL fuel scandal, stated that the committee had prepared and submitted comprehensive reports seeking compensation for the losses incurred by the state. He noted that the findings highlight the extent of governance failures within MPL and confirmed that the report is currently with the People's Majlis.
As calls mount from various stakeholders to strengthen the management of state-owned enterprises and ensure accountability for their operations due to governance failures, it is noted that the government is delaying the necessary measures required to address these systemic issues.
Zahir highlighted that the theft and corruption occurring within state-owned enterprises due to weak governance are causing significant financial losses to the state. He emphasized the urgent need for immediate measures to address and resolve these issues.
