Cutting just 30 positions from government's pool of over 400 deputy ministers would save 60 million rufiyaa over five years: Hassan Latheef

Hassan Latheef, the former Member of Parliament for the West Henveiru constituency, has stated that if the government intends to reduce expenditures, cutting just 30 positions from the more than 400 deputy ministers in President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration would save 60 million Rufiyaa over five years.

Speaking at a press conference titled "No to Referendum" on Sunday, Hassan Latheef stated that President Muizzu’s proposal to hold a referendum on the matter is fraught with concerns. He further emphasized that this is an issue directly impacting the citizens.

Hassan Latheef stated that while President Muizzu claims the decision to consolidate the two elections is a cost-cutting measure, he is addressing the matter far too lightly. Latheef emphasized that the implications of this move and the potential outcome of the vote are by no means trivial matters.

Hassan Latheef stated that these actions are being carried out with a dangerous and deceptive intent, noting that the proceedings surrounding this vote have been conducted in such a manner. He further asserted that information is being withheld and that the public is being kept in the dark deliberately.

Hassan Latheef stated that if there is a genuine desire to reduce expenditures, there are numerous ways to achieve it.

If we are discussing cost-cutting measures, it must be noted that there are currently over 400 deputy ministers serving in the government. There are more than 400 individuals employed solely in deputy ministerial positions. By eliminating just 30 of these posts, the government could save the 60 million Rufiyaa over five years that the Elections Commission has highlighted.

Hassan Latheef, the former Member of Parliament for the Henveiru West constituency.

Furthermore, Hassan Latheef stated that 50 million could be saved by discontinuing the practice of hanging decorative street lights every year for Eid, noting that this target could be achieved even by simply reducing the number of lights used in some islands.

Hassan Latheef reiterated that there are numerous ways to reduce expenditures if there is a genuine desire to do so.

The Elections Commission has stated that the most viable approach is to hold elections simultaneously if they coincide. Speaking at the Parliament’s Committee on Independent Institutions, the President of the Elections Commission, Mohamed Zahid, noted that conducting two separate votes is estimated to incur a significant expenditure of between 60 million and 80 million Rufiyaa.