Transparency Maldives expressed concern over the lack of asset declarations by newly sworn-in MPs without clarifying the relevant procedure, the Parliament Secretariat has said.

In a post on social media X yesterday, Transparency said that MPs' ownership interests in businesses must be clear to their voters.

A response posted on the official X account of the Parliament last night stated that the rules of procedure only require MPs to submit asset declarations one year after taking the oath of office.

"Therefore, members of the 20th People's Majlis must submit asset declarations before August 31 next year after one year elapses on May 28 next year."

"Therefore, Transparency Maldives tweeted calls for asset declarations by members of the People's Majlis without properly clarifying the asset declaration procedures," the Parliament's post stated.

Moreover, MPs from the 19th Majlis must submit statements for their fifth year before the end of next August, the Parliament Secretariat said. Asset declarations from the first four years are available on the Majlis website, it added.

Despite the Parliament accusing Transparency of making statements on the asset declaration issue without clarifying legal requirements, Transparency did not make any statement with reference to any law.