Committee summons minister, governor over supplementary budget

Finance minister Moosa Zameer, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) Governor Ahmed Munawar, and Auditor General Ali Niyazi are scheduled to appear before the parliamentary budget committee on Monday to discuss the MVR 5 billion supplementary budget proposed by the finance ministry last week.

Earlier on Sunday, the budget committee appointed Fuvahmulah Central MP Ali Fazad as chairman and Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Salim as vice-chairman. After appointing its leadership, the committee scheduled a meeting for 2 pm Monday to seek input from the finance minister, MMA governor, and Auditor General on the proposed budget.

The motion to call for their input was introduced by Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau and seconded by Kurendhoo MP Mohamed Shamin. Shujau also proposed that the committee report be submitted to the full parliament by Monday.

Members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) expressed concerns about the supplementary budget’s lack of clarity. They pointed out that details on the allocation of MVR 5 billion were not fully disclosed. Some members also questioned how the main budget of MVR 49.8 billion had been spent so far.

However, the committee did not pass a motion to request the additional information during the upcoming meeting.

Hulhumale South MDP MP Dr Ahmed Shamheed raised objections, arguing that the budget was being pushed through hastily. He stressed the need for transparency on how the funds were spent in the previous budget and how they will be allocated in the supplementary budget.

Hanimaadhoo MDP MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa also voiced concerns, noting that significant allocations like MVR 1.2 billion for land reclamation lacked specific details. He emphasised the importance of clarity on government expenditure to ensure compliance with regulations and the constitution.

Finance minister Zameer presented the supplementary budget last Thursday. The proposed allocations include:

- MVR 2 billion for Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) projects

- MVR 441.1 million for state-owned enterprises (SOEs)

- MVR 650 million for contingency expenses

- MVR 458 million for student loans

- MVR 200 million for medical supplies

- MVR 262.6 million for medical assistance

- MVR 1.02 billion for subsidies

- MVR 24.4 million for salary adjustments

However, some members believe the proposed allocations lack specificity. Maamigili MP Gasim Ibrahim defended the budget, stating that the allocations are clearly outlined in the proposal. He argued that the supplementary budget is designed to benefit the public and dismissed opposition objections as unnecessary.

Gasim concluded by affirming his support for the supplementary budget, indicating that it would be passed despite opposition resistance.