
Digitalisation key to eradicating graft, president says
President Muizzu acknowledged that corruption has long been an issue within government systems but emphasized that it doesn't have to be this way.
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President Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday announced that the Maldives government will undertake a comprehensive digitization of its services in order to eliminate corruption, stating that the establishment of a complete digital system is key to achieving transparency and efficiency in government operations.
Speaking during his visit to the Raa Atoll, the President highlighted the importance of transforming the public service sector and reducing human intervention to curb corruption.
President Muizzu acknowledged that corruption has long been an issue within government systems but emphasized that it doesn't have to be this way.
He pointed to the successful efforts of other nations, particularly Estonia, as a model for the Maldives to follow. Estonia, one of the most digitally advanced and least corrupt countries in the world, has a fully digitized public service system that the President believes could serve as a blueprint for the nation.
The President reiterated his belief that providing services through a fully digitized system would drastically reduce opportunities for corruption.
"If we do things in good faith, we can eliminate corruption, or at the very least reduce it," he said.
He emphasized that digitizing all government services would be the most practical and effective way to ensure accountability and transparency.
"The more practical work human intervention can do to reduce the work, the more a digital system will be established to keep a complete record of everything done," President Muizzu explained.
With digital systems in place, every transaction and interaction within government services would be fully recorded, leaving little room for manipulation or unethical practices. This approach would also reduce the time and effort required to carry out administrative tasks, leading to greater efficiency and less bureaucracy.
President Muizzu noted the success of Estonia’s digital governance model, a country that provides 100% of its public services online and has earned a reputation for being one of the least corrupt nations globally. During his recent visit to Estonia, President Muizzu observed firsthand how the country’s efficient digital infrastructure has transformed governance and citizen trust.
Estonia’s digital system has fostered a high level of public trust, as citizens have easy access to government services and can monitor their interactions with the state.
“I want the state to run as a two-sided, corruption-free government,” the President affirmed, stating that the Maldives would aim to implement a similar digital framework.
He also revealed that Estonia is ready to assist the Maldives in enhancing its digital infrastructure in key sectors such as health, education, and banking.
President Muizzu outlined a strategic plan to digitize the Maldives' public services over the next four years. One of the first initiatives in this plan will be the introduction of a digital ID card system, a step toward streamlining government services and ensuring secure and efficient identification for citizens. The President emphasized that this transition would be carried out with a detailed, phased approach and would require collaboration from institutional leaders, government employees, and the public.
"This is a huge change. It requires cooperation from all sides," he noted.
Ministries, councils, and other government agencies will work together to provide digital services under new laws that will be developed with the expertise and assistance of Estonia. These reforms are intended to ensure that all aspects of public service in the Maldives are interconnected and function seamlessly in the digital age.
The President emphasized that this digital transformation is not just about improving governance; it is about securing a better future for the country’s citizens.
"This is something I think we have to do in running the country in the best way for us, for the future of our children and grandchildren," President Muizzu said.
The President also highlighted that while different agencies have already made strides in offering digital services, the future of governance requires a more unified, cohesive approach. By creating a fully digitized service system, the government aims to build a transparent, corruption-free environment where citizens can trust that their interactions with the state are efficient and fair.