Budget aims to improve public welfare, cut waste: MP Saleem

Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem has said the state budget for next year demonstrates the government’s effort to improve conditions for the public.

Speaking during Wednesday’s parliamentary debate on the proposed 2026 budget, Saleem — who also chairs the Budget Review Committee — said the budget allocates priority to key areas.

“This budget shows that the government is trying to improve things,” he said.

Saleem stated that if the budget is implemented as outlined, it will deliver positive outcomes.

“Nothing will satisfy everyone. It is not possible to please everyone,” he said in response to opposition criticism. “No matter how good or bad a proposal is, there will always be disagreement.”

He urged the public to cooperate in the government’s efforts to develop the country and added that expenditure control remains a key focus.

“When you try to reduce costs, everything is linked to the people. You cannot cut the Aasandha budget for medical treatment; that would be wrong,” he said.

Saleem said that while free services for the public should continue, efforts are being made to prevent waste and corruption.

“If we do what we should, we can prosper. The state’s revenue is not small — MVR 40 billion is enough to run this country,” he said.

He added that previous governments had to repay around MVR 10 billion in debt next year and that debt management needed to be tightened to ensure financial stability.

Saleem also reiterated his view that Aasandha benefits and NSPA assistance should target those in need rather than the wealthy.

“Even a wealthy businessman receives MVR 5,000 at age 65. We need to ensure zakat is collected from the rich and distributed properly,” he said, adding that both tax and zakat collection from high-income individuals should be strengthened.

Baarah MP and Deputy Leader of the ruling PNC Parliamentary Group, Ibrahim Shujau, said the proposed 2026 budget focuses on strengthening public prosperity and advancing development projects.

He noted that the increase in the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) allocation compared to 2025 provides new opportunities to achieve the budget’s objectives.

Shujau said that a significant portion of the 2026 budget is allocated to eliminate theft and corruption and to support digital transformation efforts across the country.

“The Maldives will be protected from corruption when institutions adopt digital systems that reduce human involvement,” he said.

He added that the government’s measures would strengthen revenue collection, close avenues for theft, and create opportunities to increase income through sustainable means.

Shujau said that reducing government expenditure remains essential and that Parliament should prioritise strengthening state-owned enterprises and enacting laws to support fiscal discipline.

“Financial records already show that measures implemented under the President’s vision have reduced state expenditure,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the 2026 budget could be implemented successfully if institutions worked together.