MP for Hulhumalé South Constituency, Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, has accused the government of intentionally withholding details of budget spending in order to mislead the public.
Speaking at a rally held at Maradhoo during a visit by several MDP parliamentary group members to Addu City, Shamheed expressed concern over the rapid rise in national debt and the lack of transparency in fiscal management. He noted that the country’s total debt had reached MVR 140 billion by the 18th month of the current administration and questioned how the figure had risen by another MVR 21 billion, despite the government claiming to have paid off MVR 5 billion in debt.
Shamheed said the budget documents lacked critical information on how public funds were being spent. He argued that the absence of a detailed expenditure breakdown meant neither the public nor parliamentarians had a clear understanding of the government's fiscal decisions.
He also questioned the operations of state-owned project, Rasmale' and accused the government of halting development projects in rural areas while redirecting funds through unaccounted means. Shamheed alleged that such expenditures were being hidden from the public to avoid scrutiny.
He further warned that continued wasteful spending and the growing number of political appointments would damage the country’s credibility and reduce access to future foreign aid. He urged the government to introduce a serious reform agenda to address the mounting debt crisis.
Despite these concerns, Shamheed highlighted the limited influence of MDP MPs in Parliament, noting that speaking time is restricted and committees often push bills forward without addressing the opposition’s concerns.
Speaking at a rally held at Maradhoo during a visit by several MDP parliamentary group members to Addu City, Shamheed expressed concern over the rapid rise in national debt and the lack of transparency in fiscal management. He noted that the country’s total debt had reached MVR 140 billion by the 18th month of the current administration and questioned how the figure had risen by another MVR 21 billion, despite the government claiming to have paid off MVR 5 billion in debt.
Shamheed said the budget documents lacked critical information on how public funds were being spent. He argued that the absence of a detailed expenditure breakdown meant neither the public nor parliamentarians had a clear understanding of the government's fiscal decisions.
He also questioned the operations of state-owned project, Rasmale' and accused the government of halting development projects in rural areas while redirecting funds through unaccounted means. Shamheed alleged that such expenditures were being hidden from the public to avoid scrutiny.
He further warned that continued wasteful spending and the growing number of political appointments would damage the country’s credibility and reduce access to future foreign aid. He urged the government to introduce a serious reform agenda to address the mounting debt crisis.
Despite these concerns, Shamheed highlighted the limited influence of MDP MPs in Parliament, noting that speaking time is restricted and committees often push bills forward without addressing the opposition’s concerns.
