Good governance is not just the existence of institutions, but rather the assurance that the people's voices are heard and that equal opportunities are afforded to all, Speaker of the People’s Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla has said.
Speaking at the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held in Tanzania, Abdul Raheem highlighted the importance of empowering societies through good governance, trust, and equitable opportunities.
Emphasising that the responsibilities of parliamentarians extend beyond passing legislation, the Speaker noted that they must listen to the public, oversee the implementation of government policies, and ensure the responsible utilisation of state resources.
Abdul Raheem underscored the role of technology in providing equitable services across all islands of an archipelago nation like the Maldives. He noted that digital tools such as "eFaas" enable the government to deliver services more efficiently and bring them closer to the citizens.
The Speaker further asserted that public trust in the governance system can only be achieved through transparency, accountability, and integrity. In this regard, he highlighted the importance of the Right to Information (RTI) Act and institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in the Maldives.
Additionally, Abdul Raheem stated that opportunities must be facilitated for public participation in decisions affecting their lives. He noted that the Maldivian Parliament provides avenues for citizens to submit petitions and lodge complaints through digital platforms.
Addressing global conflicts, Abdul Raheem remarked that civilians bear the greatest burden of the ongoing wars in Palestine and parts of Africa. He stressed that it is the responsibility of parliaments to uphold international law and seek peaceful resolutions to protect human dignity.
The Speaker concluded by calling on member nations to utilise the IPU Assembly to share experiences and transform parliaments into transparent, robust institutions that command public trust. He reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to working with the international community to promote good governance and democracy.
