- Current system must change
- Convention to be held after completion of research
- Investigation levels must improve
A research compiled by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has shown that people believe stronger Islamic principles are essential to rid the Maldives of corruption. The survey for this research was conducted on the citizens of Fuvahmulah City.
The data for the research was collected through visiting various households in the city. With a 78% majority, most of the participants in the survey were female. The research was conducted among those who were over 15 years of age.
Results of the survey show that 54% of the people view that corruption is abuse of power, while 36% believe that any illegal act is a part of corruption. A further 10% admitted that they did not know what constitutes to as corruption.
A majority of the participants in the research agreed that the way to get rid of corruption is through the stronger religious principles, and 18% of the participants believe that those convicted of corruption must receive harsh sentences. Another 6% believe that the economic condition of the society must rise to efficiently combat corruption.
The research shows that the largest role to be played in the determent of corruption is by the country's government and it's people, with other key roles being played by the ACC, Parliament along with the courts and media.
Little over half of the participants in the survey believe that the ACC is doing an acceptable job of dealing with corruption.
ACC President, Hassan Luthfee said while presenting the results of the research that it has become apparent that the system through which the ACC works must change, along with the target groups and that programs must be conducted to raise awareness among both government officials as well as the unemployed about corruption.
Luthfee also said that while most participants of the research view stronger religious principles as a way to combat corruption, efforts must be made into discovering how to strengthen these principles among the public. He said that a convention will be held next year with relevant institutions, companies as well as universities to discuss this research.
Luthfee said that the most income is generated through corruption and fraud, and that it has developed into a huge issue. Luthfee noted the importance of changing the current ACC system and increasing the strength behind investigations and promised to bring changes in light of the research.
