Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem, known as Redwave Saleem, voiced strong support for granting additional powers to the President to drive nationwide reforms. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the government’s proposed amendment to the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, Saleem argued that giving the President authority to appoint officials to key institutions would empower effective reforms across independent bodies and state functions.
Saleem emphasized that the President, Parliament, and judiciary should all retain the power to check one another, dismissing claims that increasing presidential authority would centralize power or compromise checks and balances. “The claims that the President is taking away all powers are untrue,” he stated, advocating instead for amendments to the Constitution to grant the President broader executive powers to address systemic inefficiencies and corruption.
Reflecting on the nation’s trajectory since adopting democratic governance, Saleem remarked, "Where have the last 15 years taken us since democracy came? I estimate the state has embezzled around MVR 10 billion, none of which has been reclaimed due to a lack of presidential authority.” He commended President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration for its intent to curb corruption and improve governance transparency.
Meanwhile, opposition voices have raised concerns over potential executive overreach and influence over independent institutions. President Muizzu responded to these concerns in a post on X, asserting his administration's commitment to impartiality. "I have never influenced any state power or independent institution, nor will I do so," he stated, adding that any proposed amendments aim solely to ensure efficient, fair, and impartial operations within state institutions.
Saleem emphasized that the President, Parliament, and judiciary should all retain the power to check one another, dismissing claims that increasing presidential authority would centralize power or compromise checks and balances. “The claims that the President is taking away all powers are untrue,” he stated, advocating instead for amendments to the Constitution to grant the President broader executive powers to address systemic inefficiencies and corruption.
Reflecting on the nation’s trajectory since adopting democratic governance, Saleem remarked, "Where have the last 15 years taken us since democracy came? I estimate the state has embezzled around MVR 10 billion, none of which has been reclaimed due to a lack of presidential authority.” He commended President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration for its intent to curb corruption and improve governance transparency.
Meanwhile, opposition voices have raised concerns over potential executive overreach and influence over independent institutions. President Muizzu responded to these concerns in a post on X, asserting his administration's commitment to impartiality. "I have never influenced any state power or independent institution, nor will I do so," he stated, adding that any proposed amendments aim solely to ensure efficient, fair, and impartial operations within state institutions.
