With 54 million spent monthly on embassies, what is the return? They are not performing even close to the level of expenditure: Ziyad
Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad has expressed concern over the lack of tangible results from Maldivian embassies despite a monthly expenditure of MVR 54 million. He noted that while the state budget anticipates significant foreign aid, the underperformance of ambassadors and diplomatic missions has hindered the acquisition of such assistance. Consequently, Ziyad urged the government to prioritize cutting excessive embassy spending as a cost-saving measure rather than focusing on the consolidation of elections.
Hussain Ziyad, Member of Parliament for the Vaikaradhoo constituency. | People's Majlis | Majilis
Hussain Ziyad, the Member of Parliament for the Vaikaradhoo constituency, has stated that while the Maldives spends 54 million Rufiyaa monthly on its embassies abroad, the country is not receiving foreign aid proportionate to this expenditure. He attributed this shortfall to the failure of appointed diplomats to fulfill their duties effectively.
Speaking at Sunday's parliamentary sitting, Ziyad noted that while the current administration claims the move to consolidate elections is intended to reduce costs, it is simultaneously spending 54 million Rufiyaa per month on overseas embassies. He questioned the tangible results being achieved through such high expenditure.
Ziyad stated that despite the appointment of capable individuals, no tangible results have been achieved. He noted that although the budget projected 202 billion Rufiyaa in foreign aid and revenue for 2025, only 50 million Rufiyaa had been received by the end of the year.
The reason is that those stationed at these embassies are not performing any actual work; their output does not even come close to justifying the expenditures incurred on them.
I am well aware that the duty of these officials is not to beg for assistance. However, they must cultivate close relationships. It is the lack of such ties that hinders us from receiving aid; support is only secured through strong rapport. Foreign aid is not something obtained through subservience or the exertion of power. We are spending 54 million Rufiyaa per month on these embassies. What I am saying is that we are not receiving a return that is commensurate with the level of expenditure we are incurring.Hussain Ziyad, Member of Parliament for the Vaikaradhoo constituency.
The member noted that the primary focus of the 20th People’s Majlis thus far has been the appointment of ambassadors. Ziyad repeatedly questioned what the public gains from these appointments, given that 54 million Rufiyaa is spent on them monthly.
Ziyad stated that this is the specific area where cost-cutting measures must be implemented. He noted that by reducing expenditures in this manner, savings of 50 million could be achieved monthly. Furthermore, Ziyad urged the government not to forfeit the opportunity to engage with the public during elections.
