MP Shamheed Alleges MVR 50 Million Off-Budget Payment to Company Linked to Minister Ali Ihusan
MP Shamheed stated that despite an increase in state revenue, development projects have stalled and the allocation of the budget remains unclear. He further alleged that $50 million was issued outside the budget to a company linked to the Home Minister, claiming that public funds are being diverted toward political agendas and military expenditures.
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency, delivers his address during the "Ummeedheggai" (In Hope) rally held in the Addu Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo region. | MDP | MDP
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency, has alleged that 50 million Rufiyaa was allocated outside the state budget to a company in which Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan holds an interest.
Speaking at the "Ummeedheggai" rally held in Addu Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo on Wednesday night, MP Shamheed stated that the revenue generated last year increased by 8 billion compared to 2023, noting a significant rise in dollar inflows as well.
However, he noted that no development projects are currently underway and expressed uncertainty regarding the allocation of the budget. He further stated that although last year's budget was specifically earmarked for housing, no housing-related projects were actually implemented.
Furthermore, Shamheed alleged that $50 million was transferred outside the budget to a company called TradeNet, which he claimed is operated by Minister Ihusan. He suggested that this payment might have been allocated for the "Maldives 2.0" software; however, he noted that the government has failed to disclose any specific details regarding the transaction.
This is a matter of additional revenue, specifically an extra $850 million received in dollar earnings alone. Even within the first two months of this year, they received an additional 1.7 billion Rufiyaa. We must investigate why, despite receiving all this money, no development projects for the people have been completed to date, and why the national debt remains unpaid. As I mentioned previously, these funds were deposited into the accounts of various state-owned companies and then effectively disappeared without a trace. I am aware, however, that approximately $50 million was transferred outside the budget to a company overseen by Minister Ihusan, known as TradeNet. It is possible this was intended for the purchase of the "Maldives 2.0" software. Regardless, the public has a right to know if funds earmarked for housing were instead spent on software. Yet, they refuse to disclose even that much.Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency.
Shamheed noted that the current administration is channeling all state revenue into three primary areas: the operations of the People’s National Congress (PNC), the creation of new government positions and recruitment, and President Muizzu’s vision to transform the Maldives into a militarily powerful nation.
MP Shamheed stated that among the various development projects, expenditure has been directed solely toward the Rasmale' project, alleging that significant funds have been spent over the past two years while misleading the public. He further noted that because these actions are transparently visible to the citizens, the public no longer accepts the current administration.
