Legal expert Ali Hussain has asserted that the benefits of the Constitution are enjoyed exclusively by the sitting President.
Speaking on Adhadhu’s "Etherefuh" program, Ali Hussain stated that the benefits of the Constitution and the reach of justice are reserved solely for the incumbent President. He further contended that state-owned enterprises, all islands and lagoons, and the entirety of state funds have effectively become the personal property of the President.
"The benefits of this Constitution are reaped only by the person holding the office of the President. Justice, too, is served only for the President. No one else receives it," Ali Hussain said.
"I believe that all state-owned companies in the Maldives today—I don't even want to call them state companies anymore. They are the President’s companies. The President’s property. The President’s lagoons and islands. Even all the money in the Maldives belongs to the President. He can give any amount to anyone he chooses. There is nothing that can be done about it."
Highlighting that the Constitution is designed in a manner that allows the President to act at his own whim, Ali Hussain noted that this leverage is used to seize control of Parliament, independent institutions, and the judiciary.
"The entire Constitution is framed as if the presidency is a gift offered to the President to do with as he pleases. Because of the way it is structured, the President can take control of the entire Parliament and every independent institution," he said.
"He can take control of the whole judiciary. He can run as many companies as he wants, lease as many uninhabited islands and reefs as he desires, and reclaim any reef he chooses. This is a Constitution made so that the country is handed over to the President as a personal offering."
Ali Hussain emphasised the need for extensive constitutional amendments to curtail the powers granted to the President. He stated that the Constitution must be amended to prevent the President from engaging in corruption.
He further proposed that members of independent institutions and judges of the superior courts should be appointed through a public vote, suggesting that this process should also include the Prosecutor General and the Commissioner of Police.
