MVR 600 million spent on unbudgeted digital system, expenditure details unknown: Shamheed

Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumalé constituency, has alleged that 600 million Rufiyaa was spent last year under the guise of establishing a digital system, without any expenditure details or inclusion in the national budget.

Shamheed made these remarks during Tuesday's parliamentary sitting while debating the government-proposed Digital Identity Bill.

Speaking regarding the bill, he stated that in establishing a national digital framework, the Maldives has adopted the Estonian model from among the various international systems available.

However, he noted that the current model in the Maldives centralizes all data in a single repository, which he described as a high-risk approach. He explained that under this system, gaining access to an individual's ID card information provides immediate access to their medical records, banking details, and all other personal data. This structure, he warned, concentrates excessive power over such information under a single minister.

Consequently, Dr. Shamheed stated that the Minister can access all information regarding an individual at their discretion, adding that the President also plays a role within this system. He further explained that this is because the President serves as the head of the Digital Governance Committee.

Therefore, he stated that this is a matter of significant concern, emphasizing the need for regulatory measures to ensure the system cannot be exploited.

The current model in the Maldives centralizes all personal data in a single repository, which poses a significant risk. Under this framework, once an individual's identity card details are accessed, their medical records, banking information, and all other private data become available in one place. This grants excessive power to a specific minister, who can access comprehensive personal information at will. Furthermore, the President plays a direct role in this system as the head of the Digital Governance Committee. This is a major concern for us; there must be robust regulatory measures to ensure the system cannot be misused.

Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumalé constituency.

Furthermore, Dr. Shamheed stated that by the end of the year, 600 million Rufiyaa had been utilized through such a system without being recorded in the budget book. He noted that this amount totals approximately 45 million dollars, adding that there is no record of what these funds were spent on or what items were purchased.

By the end of the year, approximately 600 million rufiyaa—equivalent to nearly 45 million dollars—had been expended through this system without being recorded in the budget books. There is currently no transparency regarding the specific purpose of these expenditures or what assets were acquired with these funds.

Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumalé constituency.

Dr. Shamheed further stated that the current administration has established a state within the Maldivian state for Zionists. He added that the government has formulated a system that allows Zionists to live in the Maldives with greater luxury and security than the Maldivian citizens themselves.

In this regard, Dr. Shamheed alleged that portions of the Maldives have been sold to foreign entities under the guise of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), claiming that these zones have been opened for development by Zionists. He further stated that Maldivian citizenship is being actively marketed in various international locations.

However, the chair denied those allegations. In this regard, the chair noted that the claims suggesting parts of the Maldives have been sold to foreign entities under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) framework are false.