Minister: Civil servants have biggest role in stamping out corruption

It is civil servant who can play the biggest role in stamping out corruption, says Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu.

He made the remark on Saturday morning at the inauguration of this year’s Maldives Civil Service Conference.

Addressing the conference, Shafeeu spoke about the work ethics that civil servants need to uphold.

He described the civil service as the backbone that ensures uninterrupted provision of public services, irrespective of shifts in a country’s politics.

In his speech, Shafeeu named administrative corruption has the biggest cause of cases of major financial corruption.

He said that strengthening the administrative structure will therefore close all doors to chances to embezzle state funds.

“You, civil servants, are the ones who can provide the greatest cooperation and can play the biggest role in shaping this country as one that is free from the scourge of corruption. If you are able to stamp out administrative corruption by increasing the speed of work and displaying professionalism, we will be able to provide a service that that protects and utilizes taxpayer money,” he said.

Shafeeu said that one in every five people in the Maldives are civil servants. He said that the civil service currently boasts 35,000 workers, including 32,400 permanent staff.

He urged all civil servants to renew their commitment to stamping out corruption in order to maintain the integrity of public services.