State spends MVR 1.5 million on MPs’ use of airport VIP service
Nazim said his frequent use of the VIP service was linked to his responsibilities and his need to travel regularly to his constituency and abroad.
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The state has spent MVR 1.5 million on members of Parliament using the VIP lounge at Velana International Airport between May 2024 and July 2025, with the highest expenditure recorded by Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim.
The information, obtained under the Access to Information Act by Jubran Shareef and later published on X, covers the period from 28 May 2024, when the current Parliament was sworn in, until 31 July 2025.
MPs who incurred more than MVR 50,000 in VIP lounge usage include:
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Ahmed Nazim, Dhiggaru MP and Deputy Speaker: 133 times – MVR 116,099
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Ibrahim Didi, Feydhoo South MP: 97 times – MVR 84,674
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Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Meedhoo MP: 78 times – MVR 68,088
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Mohamed Nazim, Maafannu North MP: 66 times – MVR 57,613
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Mohamed Sinan, Hithadhoo North MP: 64 times – MVR 57,613
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Azim Abdul Azeez, Villingili MP: 61 times – MVR 53,248
Responding to questions, Nazim said his frequent use of the VIP service was linked to his responsibilities as Deputy Speaker and his need to travel regularly to his constituency and abroad.
“I had to make a lot of trips to the provinces and overseas. As Deputy Speaker alone, I made eight trips abroad,” he said.
Nazim added that his family lives in Malaysia, requiring him to travel abroad during parliamentary recesses.
“This is a right and a privilege I have as a member of Parliament under the law,” he stated.
Nazim, who has been vocal about the need to cut state spending, faced criticism on social media for the expenditure. In response, he said his use of the service should not be linked to his stance on reducing government costs.
“It is obvious how the media works. I have spoken about cutting costs with good intentions, but the media will try to spin it,” he said.
Nazim is also actively involved in the ongoing parliamentary debate on the proposed media regulation bill.
