President Muizzu's administration has spent 12 billion rufiyaa in excess of the budget: Shamheed
MP Dr. Ahmed Shamheed has accused the government of spending 12 billion Rufiyaa beyond the approved budget, labeling the move unconstitutional. He alleged that funds allocated for island development projects are being diverted to state-owned enterprises to facilitate off-budget spending, though the government has yet to issue an official response to these claims.
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency, delivers a speech on the floor of the Majlis. | Majlis | Majlis
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency, has accused President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration of spending 12 billion Rufiyaa in violation of the budget approved by the People’s Majlis.
Speaking at Tuesday's parliamentary sitting, Shamheed alleged that 65 million Rufiyaa not accounted for in the budget had been issued to RDC, with 336 million Rufiyaa spent on salaries. He further claimed that 15 million Rufiyaa was provided as a grant for the purchase of private taxis. Shamheed characterized the current administration as a government involved in money laundering.
Shamheed stated that these are not insignificant amounts, noting that the total unauthorized expenditure exceeds the budgeted figures by approximately MVR 12 billion. He emphasized that this action constitutes a violation of Article 96 of the Constitution.
When I calculate the totals, it appears they have spent approximately 12 billion rufiyaa in excess of the figures allocated in the budget. This is a government engaged in money laundering. Their tactic involves budgeting specific amounts—particularly for island housing, water, and sewerage projects—and transferring those funds to state-owned enterprises, only to divert that money toward Fushidhiggaru and purchasing the "toys" they desire.Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency.
The member stated that the government’s current practice involves allocating budget figures specifically for housing, water, and sewerage projects in the islands, only to transfer those funds to state-owned enterprises. These companies then divert the money to finance the Fushidhiggaru project and other government priorities.
He stated that the Minister had revealed that numerous vehicles were acquired for RDC by transferring funds for procurements outside the official budget directly into company accounts. Shamheed alleged that this practice was a deliberate scheme to secure substantial kickbacks from projects. Shamheed further asserted that this reflects the actual reality of how the state is being governed, adding that the public has already voiced their rejection of such practices.
Shamheed stated that these figures were not his own calculations, noting that the data is publicly available on the Ministry's website. He added that the expenditure details are clearly visible in both the proposed 2026 budget and the approved 2025 budget.
The government has yet to issue an official comment regarding these allegations. Claims of the administration spending in excess of the approved budget have become a recurring grievance raised by opposition members in the People’s Majlis.
