It is our policy to conduct all of our activities in a fair and ethical manner. We have a zero tolerance policy for bribery and corruption and strive to act with professionalism, fairness and integrity in all our activities. We also strive to establish and enforce effective systems to combat bribery.
The management of Metron is responsible for ensuring that this policy is in accordance with legal and ethical obligations and that all persons working for Metron comply with this policy. Third parties are responsible for ensuring that they and anyone they engage to complete the services for Metron comply with this policy according to the provisions of the Republic of Maldives, Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2008, Act.No: 13/2008 , Prevention & Prohibition of Corruption Act 2000, Act.No.2/2000 and any regulation made in pursuant to the power conferred by the laws.
Who does this policy apply to?
This policy applies to all individuals at all job levels and in all cadres, including seniors, directors, employees (whether permanent employees, interim employees or employees for a fixed term), consultants, contractors, or any person who provides a service to us.
What is a bribe?
A bribe is a financial or other benefit offered or given:
- to someone to persuade or reward them for improperly performing their job, or;
- to any official, with the intention of influencing the official in the performance of his / her duties.
Business gifts and entertainment expenses
The giving and receiving of promotional gifts of low value and of normal, appropriate entertainment is not prohibited under this policy. However, in certain circumstances, promotional gifts and entertainment may amount to bribery, and employees must strictly adhere to Metron’s ethical policy regarding promotional gifts and entertainment. We never provide promotional gifts and entertainment with the intent of inducing a person to act inappropriately or to influence an official in the performance of their duties.
Facilitation Payments and Kickbacks
We never give, and never receive, facilitation payments or “kickbacks” of any type. Facilitating payments are usually small, unofficial payments for obtaining or expediting a routine job from an official. Kickbacks are usually payments for obtaining a business favor or advantage. All employees must avoid any activity that could cause, or suggest that, a facilitation payment or kickback will be given or received by us.
Donations
We do not make donations of any kind to political parties. We do not make donations to charities for the purpose of achieving a commercial advantage.
Accountability
We have books and necessary internal controls that support the business reasons for any payment to third parties.
All expenses for entertainment, promotional gifts or entertainment expenses incurred for a third party must be made in accordance with our expense policy and must specifically describe the reason for the expense.
All accounts, invoices, memoranda and other documents and records relating to relations with third parties such as customers, suppliers and business contacts must be accurately and exhaustively prepared and kept up to date. No accounts should be kept “off the books” to facilitate or conceal improper payments.
Follow-up
The effectiveness of this policy will be regularly reviewed by the Board of Directors. The internal control systems and procedures will be audited according to the internal audit process.