The Maldives’ Customs Bill proposed by the government was passed today with 41 votes in favour, 23 against and two abstentions.
Originally submitted by ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Eva Abdulla, the legislation would take customs employees out of the civil service as uniformed state employees.
While a minister appointed by the President is to be in charge of customs, day-to-day functions will be overseen by a Commissioner General of Customs.
Once ratified, a Customs Integrity Commission will be instituted to exercise oversight of the border control institution.
The legislation also specifies stiff penalties and fines for attempted smuggling and import duty evasion while also authorising customs to either fine offenders between Rf10,000 (US$778) and Rf240,000 (US$18,670) or face up to two years in prison.
Also at today’s sitting, a bill proposed by minority opposition People’s Alliance (PA) MP Abdul Azeez to protect the Dhivehi language was passed with amendments after the legislation was vetoed by President Mohamed Nasheed.
Debate meanwhile continued on amendments to the Tourism Act proposed by opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) MP Ahmed Mahlouf to strengthen security at tourist resorts.
A code of ethics for MPs proposed by Independent MP Mohamed Nasheed and reviewed by committee was not passed after 37 MPs voted against and nine abstained.
The code was sent back to committee for further review after neither committee recommendations nor five amendments proposed on the floor garnered majority support.
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