Overnight Dinner-Table Decisions Have Left the Nation at a Dead End: Meekail
MP Meekail Naseem has strongly criticized the government's decision to propose a reduction in tobacco duties just days after implementing a significant tax hike. Meekail argued that the sudden policy reversal highlights a lack of proper research and planning, noting that it is embarrassing for the government to backtrack after initially justifying the increase on public health grounds. The new government proposal seeks to substantially lower the duties previously imposed on cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
Meekail Ahmed Naseem, the MDP Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency. | People's Majlis
The scenes currently unfolding in this country are the direct result of decisions made during single-night dinner table debates, according to Meekail Ahmed Naseem, the MDP Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency. He further characterized these outcomes as deeply shameful.
During Wednesday's People's Majlis sitting, debate continued on a government-proposed amendment to the Export-Import Act, which seeks to reduce the duty on tobacco by 50 percent. While debating the bill, the member criticized the administration, stating that this government formulates policies based on sudden whims or the mere suggestions of close associates.
The formulation of such a policy has left the current administration in an embarrassing predicament, forcing the government to make a complete U-turn.
The MP further noted that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had previously asserted on numerous occasions that increasing tobacco prices was essential. However, nearly a year and a half later, after submitting that very bill to Parliament, the President claimed that tobacco prices must be lowered for the sake of public health, leaving the MP confused as to which stance is correct.
On that day, members of the People’s Majlis representing the ruling PNC repeatedly asserted that our actions were detrimental to the health of the Maldivian people. When the government submitted such a significant bill to the Majlis in such a rushed and disorganized manner, without any clear plan, we opposed it. In response, they leveled accusations against us within the chambers, claiming that our intention was to jeopardize the public health of our citizens.Meekail Ahmed Naseem, the MDP Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency.
Meekail stated that the Maldivian people will now see the truth in the arguments put forward by MDP members on that day.
It is unheard of for a government, a president, and a cabinet to decide on a whim one afternoon to hike tobacco prices. When a monumental public health shift—a revolution for the nation’s well-being—is decided through a single night’s dinner table discussion rather than rigorous policy-making, the consequences are exactly what we are witnessing today. Today is a day of shame. The government has been forced to reverse its stance after acting in a manner that jeopardizes the lives of countless citizens.Meekail Ahmed Naseem, the MDP Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency.
The amendment to the Maldives Export-Import Act was introduced to Parliament on behalf of the government by Mohamed Ibrahim, the Member of Parliament for the Komandoo constituency.
The bill, submitted on behalf of the government, proposes to increase the import duty on cigarettes to 4 Rufiyaa per stick, while setting the ad valorem duty rate at 30 percent. Furthermore, the legislation aims to exempt import duties on nicotine gum, nicotine patches, and other products specifically designed to assist in tobacco cessation.
The bill proposes reducing the import duty on heated tobacco products—tobacco products designed to be consumed by heating rather than burning—from 50 percent to 30 percent. Additionally, it seeks to lower the specific tax per stick from 8 Rufiyaa to 4 Rufiyaa.
