President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has reiterated the Government’s commitment to eliminating corruption in the country, and to ensuring that those who report instances of corruption can do so without fear of repercussion. He expressed this in a video message broadcast during the closing ceremony of the 'Transparency and Anti-Corruption Conference 2020', commemorating International Anti-Corruption Day.

The President rebutted assertions that corruption has increased under the present Administration, and emphasised that the public has confidence in the Government’s commitment to ensuring zero-tolerance for corruption. As evidence, the President pointed to his Administration’s decision to ratify the Whistleblower Protection Act (Act No. 16/2019) to ensure that those who report on instances of corruption are protected from legal action; the inauguration of a Whistleblower platform, to facilitate anonymous reporting on corruption; and efforts to foster a climate of transparency and accountability in governance.

President Solih emphasized that impunity for acts of corruption will no longer be tolerated. Highlighting future plans for anti-corruption activities, the President spoke on components included in the National Resilience and Recovery Plan, which are specifically dedicated to that end. He emphasised proposals for the release of asset declarations from all political appointees, members of parliament, judges and members of independent institutions. Moreover, the President indicated that two amendments are being proposed to the Penal Code to strengthen the country’s legal framework with respect to preventing corruption.

At the end of the message, the President expressed his hope that the expertise and knowledge of the conference’s participants would help illuminate further ways to prevent corruption while increasing coordination among stakeholder institutions.