PNC MP calls for presidential appointment of council chief

Ibrahim Didi, a Member of Parliament (MP) representing Feydhoo South from the Progressive National Congress (PNC), on Tuesday voiced support for a proposed amendment to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Act that would grant the president the authority to appoint an individual of his choosing to lead the ACC, with parliamentary approval.

In his speech in Tuesday's sitting, Ibrahim Didi argued that the president’s role in appointing commission chairs, such as the ACC, should be strengthened. He expressed that the current system, where appointees are sent to parliament for confirmation, is adequate and sees the new bill as an effective extension of this structure.

Didi explained that having leaders aligned with the president’s vision would streamline operations within these institutions, suggesting that all commission appointments should follow the same centralised approach.

"I don't see any difference from the current situation," Didi stated, emphasising that appointing leaders whom the president deems fit would be beneficial to the commission’s overall functioning.

He also added that allowing the head of state more direct control over these appointments could aid in addressing the country’s challenges.

In addition to commission appointments, Didi advocated for appointing atoll council presidents, a position currently filled through local elections, directly by the president. Didi noted the historical system under former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, when atoll chiefs and island chiefs were appointed by the president.

He reminisced about this earlier centralised model, saying, “When the president appointed atoll chiefs or island chiefs, the affairs of the atolls were going very well.”

Didi argued that the current elected councillors, who operate independently, often resist government directives and fail to align with broader national strategies. In his view, appointed leaders would be more effective in implementing development projects and government plans, aligning with the President’s vision and avoiding unnecessary delays.

Didi also spoke about the performance of the ACC, criticizsng the commission’s limited results in investigating corruption cases. He noted that under previous administrations, corruption had escalated significantly, but the ACC failed to hold perpetrators accountable. He proposed shifting the ACC’s mandate, suggesting that police should handle all criminal investigations, including fraud, and that the ACC should be integrated within the police’s fraud division.

“The police cannot investigate some crimes because of the ACC; that should be changed,” Didi asserted, contending that the existing structure of the ACC is impeding effective law enforcement.