Parliament passes an uncountable number of laws, but they are all kept hidden away in files: Ghafoor

The government claims that the country's situation is improving, but if that were the case, the benefits should be reflected in the pockets of the citizens, stated Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, the Member of Parliament for the Hanimaadhoo constituency.

During Monday's Parliament sitting, members debated a bill to amend the Income Tax Act, introduced on behalf of the government by Mathiveri MP Hassan Zareer. Contributing to the debate, the MP highlighted the dire living conditions of the public, stating that the situation has shown no signs of improvement.

He noted that citizens are currently forced to purchase dollars at a rate of 22.50 Rufiyaa. He further alleged that the state is exhausting its entire revenue on fuel imports through STO, yet 75 percent of that fuel is sold to resorts. The member also accused MACL of engaging in the illegal exchange of dollars on the black market.

All state revenue is currently being funneled into state-owned enterprises to purchase dollars. These funds are being entirely exhausted on their procurement of goods. If the situation were truly improving, it should be reflected in the pockets of the citizens, and the exchange rate for the dollar should be decreasing. When foreign contractors are brought in for major projects in the Maldives, we must ensure that the revenue due to the state is actually being received, particularly if those contractors are not registered locally.

Abdul Ghafoor Moosa

Ghafoor stated that the nation's interests must be prioritized above all else. He emphasized that this is not a matter of political affiliation, but rather a concern for the entire Maldivian citizenry. The member further asserted that there must be individuals within the country capable of enforcing the laws enacted here. Ghafoor noted that merely delivering speeches from a podium would yield no tangible benefits for the public.

The Member stated that the People's Majlis has passed an extensive volume of legislation, asserting that if these laws were effectively implemented, they would be sufficient to ensure a life of prosperity and well-being for the citizens. However, Ghafoor noted that once these laws are passed, they are often relegated to files and left inactive. He emphasized that as long as this remains the case, the nation will be unable to achieve meaningful development or progress.