President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that work is currently underway to submit 27 bills to the ongoing session of Parliament, as part of the Government’s efforts to introduce essential legislative reforms aimed at providing holistic solutions to national challenges. He made the announcement while addressing the community of Mahibadhoo during his tour of the inhabited islands of South Ariatholhu.
The President noted that Parliament is presently reviewing 18 bills. He highlighted that, of the 27 bills scheduled for submission during the parliamentary session which commenced in October, 12 will introduce new legislation. Among these is a proposed Constitutional amendment to enable concurrent Presidential and Parliamentary elections, the implementation of which would require a public referendum.
Continuing in this regard, the President stated that six bills would focus on combating corruption. These include amendments designed to eliminate all legal loopholes that undermine anti-corruption efforts and to ensure the effective eradication of corruption. He stressed, however, that legislative amendments alone would not be suffice, emphasising the importance of collective support from all citizens in achieving this goal.
The President stated that one of the proposed amendments would target the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act to address existing gaps. Additional amendments are also planned for the Asset Recovery Bill, the Criminal Procedure Act, and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act. He added that amendments would likewise be proposed to the Anti-Corruption Commission Act and the Penal Code.
He expressed confidence that these reforms would strengthen the capacity of the judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Maldives Police Service, and the Prosecutor General in tackling corruption more effectively.
He further indicated that amendments would be introduced to the Judicature Act to ensure that the courts are not constrained in the performance of their duties.
