Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has disseminated its Annual Report for the year 2016 in a special function held at the Commission on 09th March 2017. The Annual Report was officially launched by ACC’s chairperson Mr. Hassan Luthfee.
The report highlights on various works organized by the Commission in the year 2016, to accomplish its legal responsibilities and to foster a community of integrity. Moreover, the report noted the outcomes of such efforts by the Commission and major challenges confronted.
According to the report, in 2016, out of the 855 cases registered, 829 cases were concluded. This reveals a total of 89 cases registered more than the previous year. Also, the cases initiated by the Commission had increased by 37 compared to 2015.
The report also included details on efforts by the Commission to increase its efficiency. Some of which include the launching of ACC’s Information Management System (AIMS) and Case Management Module. The Commission also introduced a system where updates of registered cases could be checked.
In order to increase the efficiency of investigations conducted by the Commission, an investigation manual was formulated and trainings were conducted for the staff regarding effective implementation of the manual.
The prevention work of the Commission, for the past year, included the Commission’s awareness drama ‘Bithufangi’, which featured 13 episodes, broadcasted in almost all the TV channels of the Maldives. The Corruption Perception Survey – Fuvahmulah 2016 was conducted and launched in 2016 while researches on corruption risk assessment of Maldives Immigration and Maldives Customs Services were also conducted. Furthermore, 11175 (Eleven thousand One hundred and seventy-five) people had signed the National Integrity Pledge in 2016. Numerous awareness sessions were held to public servants and other prevention efforts were organized for the National and International Anti-Corruption Day 2016.
Major obstacles faced during the year include abstain of the amendments forwarded by the Commission to the constitution and Corruption related laws. For instance, the Commission had presented amendments to the Penal Code which have not been sent to the Parliament. Such improvements are vital for the Commission to attain its functions. The limited budget and further reductions of it were additional limitations faced by the Commission. Despite these, 2016 was a successful year to the Commission.