Tourism minister accuses judges of asking for bribes

Tourism Minister Ali Waheed says that the biggest obstacle to the tourism industry is the country’s judicial system.

Waheed said this during a meeting with the parliament’s economic affairs’ committee on Tuesday, asking them to “reform the courts.”

Officials of the ministry were summoned to the committee regarding Thulhaadhoo constituency MP Hisaan Hussain’s proposal to review the state’s procedures in signing agreements.

He claimed businessmen have expressed concern to him, over court’s asking to pay bribes to rule cases in their favour.

He noted the B. Hibalhidhoo case, an island under police watch since the discovery of a large cache of weapons, including firearms and explosives in 2015.

While that was during former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration, they decided to nullify the agreement with Biznas Maldives; the company assigned to develop a resort in Hibalhidhoo.

Biznas Maldives had filed a case at the Civil Court, which in 2017 ruled that the agreement was annulled unlawfully and be handed over to the company and that the previous agreement it made with the government stands.

However, this is yet to be done and the court’s decision has been appealed at the High Court.

The committee members noted that “this is a serious matter” and asked the tourism minister to bring it to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC)’s attention, adding that the parliament is currently working to reform the country’s judicial system.

Waheed further assured that he will not get involved in any corrupt activities, adding that he “will work with transparency.” As such, he said that his meetings will be recorded, and that employees from the ministry’s bureau attend these meetings.

Reforming the courts and the judiciary system is one the key pledges of the incumbent government.