MP Shiyam: We need an audit on Foreign Minister’s expenses

Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam states an audit was necessary on the expenses of Maldivian Foreign Minister and UNGA President Abdulla Shahid.

Shiyam, the deputy leader of opposition PPM, made the comment during the parliamentary debate on Thursday afternoon on reports presented by Foreign Relations Committee following vetting of candidates nominated as ambassadors to several countries.

Taking part in the debate, Shiyam said some of the appointments weren’t necessary.

He said that at a time when Maldives was heavily in debt, the expenses on the foreign service continued unchecked, and was nearly equal to the expenses on civil service.

“The spending is on ambassadors and on renting safaris. I call to downsize the foreign service,” he said.

Shiyam said that the Maldivian Foreign Minister, instead of serving the Maldivian people, was now serving the world.

“The state is spending so much money and US dollars for the position. I don’t see any benefit to the people from better relations,” he said.