The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will receive MVR 47 million in the 2025 state budget, a 9 percent reduction compared to the MVR 52 million allocated this year.
The cut comes as the commission faces growing criticism over its failure to act on major corruption cases.
According to the proposed budget, the largest share of ACC funding next year, MVR 21 million, will go toward case investigations, while MVR 20 million is earmarked for corporate services. However, only MVR 4 million has been allocated for direct anti-corruption efforts, marking a 67 percent decrease from this year’s allocation.
The smallest allocation is for legal and compliance, set at MVR 2 million.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Nazim has been vocal about the ACC’s shortcomings. On October 29, he reiterated his concern that the commission is failing to take action on corruption cases. Earlier in January, Nazim said he no longer believed the ACC’s five-member structure was effective, citing “hesitation in decision-making” as a key flaw.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu (R) shakes hands with the President of the Anti Corruption Commission of Maldives, Adam Shamil. (Photo/President's Office)
“There are major cases sitting with the ACC, and no action is being taken,” Nazim said, adding that every government promises independence and accountability for the commission, but the results have consistently fallen short.
The ACC has long been criticized for its lack of progress on high-profile cases, including those involving state-owned enterprises and procurement irregularities. Despite receiving tens of millions in annual funding, the commission has recovered only a fraction of the money lost to corruption.
The 2025 budget, totaling MVR 64.2 billion, reflects broader fiscal tightening amid economic challenges. While the government has pledged to prioritize transparency and reform, critics argue that cutting the ACC’s budget undermines its ability to fulfill its mandate.