I’m taking legal advice on wearing uniform before Senate‎ – Customs boss, Ali

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali has written another letter to the Senate, which summoned him to appear before it in his official uniform.

Ali was asked to appear before the lawmakers, over plans to seize vehicles without paid customs duty.

The Customs boss had initially said he would not be present due to an official assignment, but the Senate on Tuesday demanded he appeared before it unfailingly on Wednesday.

Ali has, however, written another letter addressed to the Senate President, stating that he was taking legal advice on the issue of wearing uniforms.

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.”