Ibrahim Nazil, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said today that there are families receiving up to MVR 2 million per month through government political appointments.
Speaking during the debate on a bill currently before Parliament regarding procedures for the state to seize assets acquired through major criminal offences, Nazil alleged that the government’s distribution of political posts has led to the illicit enrichment of certain families.
"In a single household, four or five siblings have been given political jobs, along with numerous other relatives, bringing that family’s monthly income close to MVR 2 million. Those facilitating this are intentionally providing certain individuals with undue wealth and benefits," Nazil said.
Since the current administration took office, state expenditure on salaries has increased significantly. In addition to government ministries, the wage bills of state-owned enterprises have also surged. The reason for this increase is the creation of jobs to consolidate political influence.
On July 5, the Information Commissioner’s Office ordered the President’s Office to disclose, within 14 days, the total number of political staff appointed by this administration, the number of those dismissed or resigned, and the full details of expenditure on their salaries and allowances.
However, these figures have yet to be released. Prior to assuming power and during the transitional period, the current administration repeatedly pledged that the number of political appointees would not exceed 700.
