Maldives: Increase Accountability and Transparency

*Parliament is asked Expedite Bills to Increase Accountability and Transparency*

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has asked members of the parliament to expedite the passage of bills currently before the parliament on increasing accountability and transparency.

He was speaking to members of the parliament at an informal gathering held at Parliament House last night to meet with sitting members and those who have been elected for the new parliament.

He said that the influx of new members into the parliament would enrich and revitalize the work of the legislature, especially as among the new MPs were university graduates, eminent businessmen and corporate leaders.

On the programme of work ahead, the President said:

“As you would also be serving as part of the assembly to revise the constitution, the year ahead would be a momentous one for all legislators.

“The Government proposed bills last year to give statutory effect to the Human Rights Commission and to strengthen the accountability of ministers to the parliament. I would like the parliament to expedite the passage of those bills as they would enhance good governance.

“The Government’s legislative programme for the coming year will include numerous bills to increase accountability and transparency, and lay the statutory framework to further modernize governance. These would be consistent with the values and principles that you will be discussing as part of the constitutional reforms.”

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