Financial disclosure statements submitted by Members of Parliament have revealed that three lawmakers received monetary gifts from well-wishers.
According to the financial statements published on the Parliament’s website today, the recipients of these gifts are Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Hulhumalé South MP Ahmed Shamheed, and Maafannu South MP Abdulla Rifau.
Speaker Abdul Raheem’s disclosure shows that he received MVR 120,191.76 from well-wishers. The statement notes that these funds were utilised for travel expenses and credit card payments.
MP Shamheed reported receiving $36,000 as a gift from well-wishers, while MP Abdulla Rifau received MVR 300,000. However, their statements do not specify how these funds were spent.
Adhadhu previously reported that President Mohamed Muizzu provides a monthly "gift" of MVR 50,000 to PNC members within Parliament. A documentary regarding these payments was also produced.
According to the Parliament, 91 members submitted their financial statements by the August 31 deadline. Out of the 93 total members, Machangolhi North MP Ibrahim Mohamed (Janab) and Naifaru MP Yaseen Abdulla failed to submit their disclosures.
The financial statements published by the Parliament include details of annual income, bank account balances, personal debts and loans, and assets held in the member's name.
The disclosures are also required to include details of company shares, cash holdings, assets sold within specific categories, and any intellectual property owned by the members.
