Government is submitting budgets through deceptive means, intending for Parliament to serve as nothing more than a rubber stamp: Meekail
12 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 08:26Meekail criticized the government's proposed budget as a deceptive and unaccountable document that lacks essential project details. He further alleged that the administration has failed to utilize funds previously allocated for housing and is intentionally concealing the true extent of the national debt.
Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, speaking during RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program. | RaajjeMV
The Member of Parliament for South Galolhu, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, has stated that the current administration is presenting the state budget as if the Parliament were merely a rubber stamp, further alleging that the budget was formulated through significant deception.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Meekail stated that previous budgets submitted to Parliament were program-based, structured to allow for clear tracking of project progress and to ensure government accountability.
However, he stated that since the current administration took office, these reform measures have been rolled back.
The reality of the budget currently being proposed is that the government is essentially saying, "We want this specific amount, but we will not disclose what we intend to do with it." They are presenting a list of possibilities and asking for approval. To put it simply, the government is demanding a rubber stamp on this budget to act entirely as they please.Meekail Ahmed Naseem
Meekail stated that as the government submits its third budget for approval, it must clarify to the public what became of the two previously passed budgets.
He noted that although the government’s inaugural budget was branded as a housing-focused initiative with an allocation of MVR 1.8 billion, 53 percent of those funds remained untouched as of November 1, even as the year draws to a close.
Furthermore, regarding Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) projects, Meekail stated that the opposition would always support initiatives that benefit the public. However, he noted that it is unrealistic to claim that 70 percent of PSIP projects will be completed in the coming year, especially when projects from previously approved budgets remain stalled.
When the budget for this year was presented, it was estimated that the debt-to-GDP ratio would decrease. However, this is an absolute falsehood; they are using this as a talking point in the debate by citing a total figure that excludes domestic debt.Meekail Ahmed Naseem
Meekail stated that, consistent with the government's general conduct, this budget has been presented through significant deception and fraudulent practices.
