Civil Servants Key to Fighting Corruption: Shafeeu

Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu has said civil servants can play a leading role in eliminating corruption and strengthening public trust in state institutions.

Speaking at the opening of this year’s Civil Service Conference, Shafeeu said many cases of financial misconduct stem from weaknesses in administration and can be prevented through professionalism, accountability and efficient public service.

He noted that civil servants are the backbone of government services and ensure continuity regardless of political changes. According to the minister, the Maldives currently has around 35,000 civil servants, including 32,500 permanent employees.

Shafeeu stressed the importance of improving work ethic and service delivery, saying public confidence can only be strengthened when government offices provide timely and reliable services.

He also highlighted efforts under the Maldives 2.0 initiative to build systems that reduce corruption and called on civil servants to help create a more transparent and accountable public sector.