MDP questions delay in 2025 budget book

The government has not yet provided the detailed budget book for next year, opposition members from the MDP raised concerns at the budget review committee's first meeting on Monday.

Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa emphasised that the budget book had still not been delivered, even five days after the budget's presentation. He questioned the reason behind the delay, highlighting the importance of the detailed information contained within the document.

"There is a lot of critical information in the budget book that isn't included in the soft copy. We need to know when we will receive it so we can proceed," he said.

Responding to these concerns, PNC Parliamentary Group Deputy Leader, Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau noted that the budget had been presented in compliance with the law. He cited Article 14 of the Public Expenditure Accountability Act, which mandates that the budget book must be submitted to parliament between the date of the budget proposal and the start of the preliminary debate. Shujau added that since a date for the debate had not yet been determined, the budget book should be available before it begins.

"I don't think there is a reason to worry about any legal violation," he said.

Committee Chairman, Fuvahmulah Central PNC MP Ali Fazad explained the parliamentary procedures, stating that the budget should be submitted before November 1 each year, with a seven-day period allowed before the preliminary debate starts. Fazad reiterated that the process was being followed.

MDP Parliamentary Group Leader, Hithadhoo South MP Ibrahim Nazil raised additional concerns. He pointed out that only seven A4-sized pages related to the budget were currently available, making it difficult to conduct a comprehensive study or debate when the full budget book arrives on the opening day of discussions.

Nazil mentioned that he had spoken with the finance ministry, which had assured him that the book was being printed and would be available within a few days.

Nazil argued for adherence to established parliamentary practices.

"The rules and laws state that the budget book should be on the table when we enter the House for the preliminary debate. Instead of disputing this, it is within the honourable chair's mandate," he said.

Fazad responded by assuring the committee that he had clarified the issue and that the book might arrive as early as Monday or Tuesday.

The committee plans to approve the budget before the 20th of this month.