Maldives Chamber of Commerce calls to

The Maldives National Chamber of Commerce has called all businesses to hold the payment of taxes, stating the government’s unlawful activities as a reason.

Speaking at a Press Conference, President of Maldives National Chamber of Commerce Ahmed Adheeb said that the payment of taxes needs to be reconsidered, because businesses are no longer protected by the laws as the government has illegally arrested a Judge and is questioning the legitimacy of lower court Judges.

“The contracts we have signed can only be implemented by involving the courts. Business is about agreements which can only be implemented with the involvement of the courts. Now it’s been 15 or 16 days, the government has not solved this problem. We are constantly receiving complaints from businessmen and investors due to this problem,” Adheeb said.

“If this problem is not solved, we have to reconsider paying taxes. I advise all businesses to think about this and hold the payment of taxes for now.”

He said that even though the taxes are not paid to the government, the tax amounts will be included in the financial accounts and thus would not pose any legal problems.

“We are not asking people to not pay taxes. Just to hold the payments until the government fixes this problem. They can prepare the balance sheets and other documents now. The accounts will show how much needs to be paid in tax. They can make the payments as soon as the government begins to keep its actions within the laws,” Adheeb said.

Adheeb accused improper utilization of tax money by the government. He also said that since the government currently functions outside the law, serious steps have to be taken to restore the rights of businesses.

“We have to pay taxes and also stay awake in the night. There is no protection for businesses. The country is in chaos because of this. We tried very hard to solve this without being strict. Businessmen will not hold protests to obtain their rights. In other parts of the world, they will simply close down their business operations, or stop their transactions with the government,” Adheeb said.

Adheeb said that they will now make efforts to educate businesses on this matter.

“We advise that tax money be spent on strengthening the economy. Spend it on paying employees the wages they deserve, strengthening businesses, and on other welfare issues,” Adheeb said.