Vice President Uz Hussain Mohammed Latheef has stressed that strengthening internal audit systems is essential to ensuring state institutions and government-owned companies remain corruption-free and beneficial to the Maldivian people.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the State Internal Audit Conference 2025, the Vice President underscored that the country’s governance framework has significantly improved, with oversight in both government agencies and state-owned enterprises being enhanced.

He noted that the State Finance Act, which came into effect on 26 January 2006, established a comprehensive framework for auditing public accounts, overseeing funds, formulating and presenting budgets, and ensuring financial accountability. The Vice President highlighted that the success of this system is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of those working in the field.

Emphasising the importance of strengthening internal controls, the Vice President urged auditors to identify current challenges and take proactive steps to address them.

Acknowledging the difficulties faced by internal auditors, the Vice President announced that salaries for auditors in public offices will be improved in the near future. He added that a framework had already been developed to help reduce the challenges auditors encounter in carrying out their responsibilities.

This year’s conference is being held under the theme “The Role of Internal Audit in Accountability in a Changing Environment and Promoting the Public Interest.” The Vice President observed that with rapid global changes and innovations, auditors will inevitably face unforeseen challenges and therefore must remain vigilant and adaptive.

At the opening ceremony, the Vice President also launched the Risk Management Framework for 2026–2028 and the Strategic Action Plan of the State Internal Committee. He stated that these initiatives will support the achievement of financial institutions’ strategic objectives while mitigating potential risks to the economy.

The conference will provide participants with the expertise of audit professionals, equipping them with knowledge and practical insights to effectively identify and address obstacles in the field.