Shamheed: Public Suffered Despite Record State Revenue
Member of Parliament Dr. Ahmed Shamheed has expressed concern over the government's failure to disclose budget expenditure details despite receiving record state revenue, noting that several island development projects have come to a standstill. He highlighted that the pro-government PNC’s majority in the Public Accounts Committee has hindered efforts to hold the administration accountable, while MDP members have formally complained to the Speaker of Parliament regarding the persistent lack of responses from ministers to parliamentary inquiries.
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the Hulhumalé South constituency, speaking during an appearance on Raajje TV's "TV Talk" program. | RaajjeMV
Despite the state receiving record-breaking revenue over the past two years, these have been the most challenging years for the public, stated Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the Hulhumalé South constituency. He further noted that there is a complete lack of transparency regarding the details of how the state budget is being spent.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "TV Talk" program, Shamheed stated that while the Maldivian people have endured significant hardships over the past two years, this period simultaneously saw the country generate its highest levels of revenue.
Emphasizing the need to investigate the root causes of the current situation, Shamheed noted that Parliament had approved a substantial budget for 2025. He further stated that while President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu outlined his administration's objectives for that budget during the Presidential Address, there remains no visible evidence of the promised development or any significant progress achieved.
Despite all these commitments, as the year draws to a close, we are witnessing the total exhaustion of the budget without a single one of these objectives being met. With 55 billion rufiyaa spent and no tangible benefits to the public, there is an urgent need to provide a detailed account of how these funds were utilized. Regardless of the circumstances, the state continues to incur expenses, yet the benefit to the citizens remains minimal. Development projects across the islands have come to a standstill. Although approximately 9 billion rufiyaa was allocated for island development under the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) this year, less than 2 billion rufiyaa has been utilized to date.Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the Hulhumalé South constituency.
Shamheed stated that efforts are underway to obtain these details through Parliament; however, he noted that the opposition MDP is facing numerous obstacles in fulfilling its parliamentary responsibilities.
Highlighting the significant challenges faced within the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, Shamheed emphasized that the committee bears the ultimate responsibility for the state's overall financial affairs. He further noted that the Public Accounts Committee is the primary body tasked with monitoring and coordinating the nation's fiscal health—ensuring, for instance, whether the government has sufficient funds to procure essential food supplies or fuel tomorrow, or addressing the ongoing challenges of dollar liquidity.
The PNC holds the majority in this committee. Despite their dominance, we have been unable to obtain any information that the public has a fundamental right to know—specifically, whether the state has the funds to import food or purchase fuel tomorrow. Abdul Ghafoor and I are on the committee specifically to ask these questions. One of us submits the motion, and the other seconds it. Yet, we have never been able to secure this information from the government. Consequently, the process of holding the government accountable to Parliament has been completely obstructed.Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the Hulhumalé South constituency.
However, the member noted that the government has failed to share any details regarding these matters and has refused to answer questions posed to the ministers. The member further stated that such actions contradict democratic principles, expressing deep concern that PNC members are failing to fulfill their parliamentary committee responsibilities.
Ibrahim Nazil, the Minority Leader of the People’s Majlis and Member for Hithadhoo South, recently stated that government ministers are failing to remain accountable to the parliament, noting that 62 questions currently remain unanswered.
In relation to this matter, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), the MDP Member of Parliament for the Galolhu North constituency, has addressed a formal letter to the Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Abdul Raheem Abdulla. In the letter, the MP highlighted that questions submitted by MDP parliamentarians between December 4, 2024, and January 13, 2026, remain unanswered to this day.
Documents submitted by Kudu reveal that 62 questions sent by MDP parliamentarians to government ministers remain unanswered to date. Detailed information regarding these inquiries was included with the formal letter. In the submission, the member emphasized that failure to comply with specific legal requirements constitutes a direct violation of the law.
