Finance ministry deflects accountability on political appointees because they don’t want to disclose “high” number: Ameer

Former Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer has claimed that the incumbent administration’s Ministry of Finance claims not to know the number of political appointees because they don't want to disclose that the number is higher than what was stated during the presidential campaign.

Since the finance ministry has claimed that it does not keep a record of political appointees, Ameer was inquired about this on RaajjeTV’s “Fala Surukhee” programme.

Ameer revealed that the ministry would be aware of the number of political appointments in the government and that the public is observing information being withheld even when requested.

Ameer stressed that this contradicts the government's promise of transparency and goes against their word.

Ameer said that even when the budget for 2025 was submitted, the number of political appointees should have been included in the budget, and that in previous budget submissions, the number of political appointees was visible in the budget book.

Ameer said that during the former administration of now main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), when 700 political positions were filled, the finance ministry would have known this information. He added that the current administration came to power saying they wouldn't increase political positions beyond 700 but have now appointed more than 2,000 political staff.

Former finance minister Mohamed Shafeeq also previously stated that the finance ministry would have information on political appointees. When ‘Mihaaru’ news recently requested this information, the finance ministry responded that they do not record or maintain any information about the number of political appointees, their resumes, or any related information. They stated that the salary matters of political appointees in individual ministries and institutions are managed by the respective ministries or institutions.