Parliament has released the financial statements of currently serving MPs, revealing a wide range in personal wealth and reported gifts. Some MPs appear to have received gifts worth over MVR 1 million, while others have less than MVR 500 in their accounts.
Under Article 68 of parliamentary regulations, MPs are required to submit their financial statements within a year of taking office. For this year, the deadline for submission was August 31. Despite this requirement, not all MPs have submitted their statements on time.
Minimal Balances for Some MPs
Among the statements that have been disclosed, several MPs reported holding very little in their savings accounts. One MP even recorded a negative balance of MVR 200. Others had around MVR 500, while some had a few thousand in their accounts. A small number of MPs also reported holding limited amounts in US dollars.
The statements also reveal that many MPs carry significant loans and credit card debt, highlighting financial pressures faced by some members.
Significant Gifts Reported
At the same time, certain MPs reported receiving substantial gifts. Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla disclosed receiving MVR 958,982 from unnamed benefactors, which he said covered expenses such as trips and credit cards.
South Maafannu MP Abdulla Rifau, also known as Bochey, reported receiving MVR 225,000 from unspecified benefactors. Similarly, South Hulhumale' MP Ahmed Shamheed listed gifts totaling USD 43,000 (about MVR 663,000) and an additional MVR 880,000.
Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau disclosed receiving a rowhouse in Hulhumale' valued at MVR 3.5 million, which he described as a gift from an employer.
Despite these large amounts, the identities of the benefactors were not disclosed in any of the statements.
Changes in Reporting Rules
Last year, parliament amended the rules for submitting financial statements. MPs are now required to submit their disclosures within three months of taking office. This amendment was introduced by the Counsel General and supported by the majority of MPs, who argued that stricter deadlines would improve transparency and accountability.
What the Statements Reveal
The recently released financial statements show a clear disparity among MPs, with some struggling with debts and minimal savings, while others receive significant gifts or valuable property. As the parliament continues to enforce disclosure requirements, these statements provide the public with a clearer picture of the financial positions of their elected representatives.
Transparency remains a key concern for many citizens, and the ongoing reporting process will be closely watched as more MPs submit their statements in the coming months.
