MP Mohamed Ibrahim Urges Dissolution of ‘Unproductive’ Independent Institutions

Opposition MP for North Galolhu, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), has called for the dissolution of what he described as “unproductive” independent state institutions during today’s parliamentary debate on the proposed 2026 budget.

Speaking in the People’s Majlis, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentarian argued that the Maldives maintains “too many” independent bodies, many of which he said fail to fulfil their mandates. He criticised the current state of institutional independence, claiming that agencies often operate in line with government interests rather than the public good.

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“Institutions act according to what the government says. If they act in an unsatisfactory way, they are removed,” he said.

Mohamed Ibrahim singled out the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), stating that although it had been tasked with recovering MVR 77 million lost to corruption, it had managed to retrieve only MVR 49,000. He noted that this amount was equivalent to the institution’s president’s monthly salary, arguing this demonstrated the need for structural reform.

Last week president of the ACC, Adam Shamil stated that under current law, its role is limited to determining the amount of money to be recovered in corruption cases, and that it has no legal authority to actually recover the funds. Shamil made the remarks during a review of the proposed 2026 state budget, calling for legislative reform to grant the commission powers for asset recovery.

The MP also criticised the government’s development approach, particularly the initiation of projects in small islands that he said were not economically viable. Additionally, he questioned the administration’s fiscal policy, despite the ruling coalition’s supermajority in parliament.

“If President Dr Mohamed Muizzu wants to cut costs, it can be easily achieved,” he said. “However, the spending of the government is increasing day by day.”

During the same session, several MPs from the ruling coalition defended the government’s performance, praising what they described as strong economic growth and effective policy implementation. Many used their allotted debate time to congratulate President Muizzu on completing two years in office.

Ruling party members also highlighted that numerous projects were now being awarded to contractors and asserted that the proposed budget would address long-standing issues faced by communities across the islands.