I’m Seeking Legal Advice On Uniform-Wearing‎ – Customs Boss, Ali

Hameed Ali, the Comptroller-General of Customs, has written to the Senate to announce his unavailability to answer their summons in his official uniform.

The Customs boss was summoned to answer questions concerning a Customs’ policy of collecting import duties on old vehicles.

According to Ali, his absence is unavoidable as he is seeking legal advice with regard to the directive that the Customs boss not just appear before the House but to appear in his service uniform..

He wrote: “May I respectfully refer to your letter dated 9 March and inform Your Excellency that the decision on payment of customs duties by vehicle owners who do not have them as prescribed by law is currently being reviewed.

“The goal of the review is to take a broad additional input from the stakeholders and the public. I will welcome the opportunity to avail the senate of our findings.

“Regarding to wearing of uniform, I wish to advise that the senate avails itself of the legal basis of its decision to compel me to wear uniform. I am similarly taking legal advice on this issue so that both the senate and I will operate within the proper legal framework.”