MDP ran govt like private company, PNC MPs say

Ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) on Thursday launched a fierce critique of the former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government in a heated parliamentary debate centred around the newly proposed supplementary budget.

PNC members expressed concerns over the previous administration's alleged misuse of the state budget and its impact on the country's economy.

During the debate, PNC MPs described the previous government as operating like a "private company" of the MDP, recklessly utilising the state budget without due responsibility. According to PNC representatives, the MDP routinely submitted supplementary budgets to cover expenditures that had already been incurred, specifically pointing to the years 2021 to 2023.

In defence of the current administration, PNC leaders emphasised that they are adhering strictly to legal procedures and regulations, unlike the previous government, which they claim violated budgetary and legal norms. Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah, representing the Inguraidhoo constituency, accused the MDP of ignoring the laws governing state finance.

"The MDP has spent in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 without the proper approval process. We, however, are committed to ensuring every expenditure is debated and approved in parliament, respecting the law," Falah said.

Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid, PNC's Deputy Leader, painted a bleak picture of the economy left behind by the MDP. Shahid alleged that the previous government had "emptied the country" and left the economy in disarray. Despite these challenges, he noted that the 19th Parliament, dominated by an MDP supermajority, managed to pass this year’s budget amid many difficulties.

"[The MDP government] handled the budget poorly, disregarding the constitution, state finance law, and other regulations," Shahid claimed.

Ahmed Thoriq, a PNC MP representing Mahibadhoo constituency, also voiced his discontent with how the MDP handled budgetary matters. He criticised the process by which the MDP-dominated parliament passed budgets, alleging that it was done "without any responsibility."

Thoriq highlighted specific instances, including the controversial exclusion of the Rasmale' project from the budget. According to him, the funds for this project were redirected to constituencies of MDP MPs, with each receiving MVR 1 million.

"Funds meant for significant national projects were distributed among MDP MPs' constituencies instead. This was done without the necessary parliamentary approval," he argued.

Thoriq acknowledged that presenting a supplementary budget is a common practice for governments, but he criticised the MDP for allegedly doing so only after spending significant amounts. He cited a recent supplementary budget request, noting that MVR 5 billion had been requested for approval after MVR 2 billion had already been spent.

"The Finance Act and the constitution clearly state that no expenditure should occur without parliamentary approval. Yet, the MDP government bypassed this requirement," he said.

PNC MPs alleged that the MDP's handling of the budget was heavily influenced by partisan interests, with state resources being channeled to the benefit of MDP representatives. Mohamed Mamdhooh, a PNC member, emphasised that the current 20th Parliament is acting independently, not under the influence of any particular individual or party, unlike its predecessor.

Referring to a past statement by MDP MP Meekail Naseem, who admitted that the 19th parliament followed specific instructions, Mamdhooh insisted that the current parliament is dedicated to serving the public. 

"I will raise and put down my hand for the people, not for any individual," Mamdhooh stated, emphasising a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Throughout the debate, PNC members repeatedly assured that the current administration is operating within the boundaries of the law, emphasising a commitment to not repeat the mistakes they attributed to the MDP. Mamdhooh specifically accused the MDP government of using the state budget for theft and emphasised that the current government would not act similarly.

"We are here for the people, to ensure that every rufiyaa is accounted for and spent in the best interests of our country," he declared.