Member of Parliament for the Ihavandhoo constituency Mohamed Shifau has stated that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will not steal from the extra revenue generated by raising taxes.
Speaking to state media regarding the amendment to the proposed tax bill by the government, Shifau said that politicians are opposing the raising of taxes for political reasons and that everyone believes that the president will not misappropriate the extra tax revenue.
He said that the administration has suggested raising taxes, of which 85% will be charged to visitors to the Maldives. In addition, resorts will cover 90% of the TGST.
Shifau also highlighted that the tax money would be utilized to improve livelihoods, and rival politicians would find it difficult to accept.
"Impoverished citizens in the islands believe we have to provide them clean drinking water with tax revenue. They believe we have to provide education for their children using tax revenue," said Shifau.
Shifau added that the difference of opinion regarding the tax issue is just between politicians. He said that it is related to the upcoming 2023 presidential election.
The proposed tax raises are GST from 6% to 8% and TGST from 12% to 16%. In the recently released Maldives Public Expenditure Review (PER), the World Bank praised this decision by the government.
Speaking to state media regarding the amendment to the proposed tax bill by the government, Shifau said that politicians are opposing the raising of taxes for political reasons and that everyone believes that the president will not misappropriate the extra tax revenue.
He said that the administration has suggested raising taxes, of which 85% will be charged to visitors to the Maldives. In addition, resorts will cover 90% of the TGST.
Shifau also highlighted that the tax money would be utilized to improve livelihoods, and rival politicians would find it difficult to accept.
"Impoverished citizens in the islands believe we have to provide them clean drinking water with tax revenue. They believe we have to provide education for their children using tax revenue," said Shifau.
Shifau added that the difference of opinion regarding the tax issue is just between politicians. He said that it is related to the upcoming 2023 presidential election.
The proposed tax raises are GST from 6% to 8% and TGST from 12% to 16%. In the recently released Maldives Public Expenditure Review (PER), the World Bank praised this decision by the government.
