MP Ghafoor: Political posts near 2,000; payroll exceeds MVR 1 billion

Main opposition MDP’s Hanimadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa has alleged that political appointees in the current administration have neared 2,000 with their payroll exceeding MVR 1 billion.

MDP has expressed concern over the current administration’s failure to disclose the number of political appointees. The party submitted an emergency motion to the parliament calling to disclose the number of political appointees which ultimately was thrown out by main ruling PNC which holds the majority.

Speaking at a MDP parliamentary group press conference on Wednesday, MP Ghafoor reiterated the party’s concerns surrounding the matter, while alleging political appointees in the current administration have neared 2,000. As a result, he said the state’s payroll has been increased by a million every month.

“Political posts are near 2,000. Payroll exceeds MVR 1 billion. Approximately MVR 100 million is added every month. This is why the current administration’s recurrent expenses are so high,” he said.

MP Ghafoor, underscoring that the state’s revenue had increased compared to before, stressed the need for the current administration to comprehensively manage the revenue. He also stressed the need to reduce recurrent expenses in order to reduce overall expenditure.

Speaking further, he criticized the pro-government MPs for using “previous administration” as an excuse for every matter; something which he said was not accepted by the public, adding the new administration was elected by the public as they did not approve the undertakings of the former administration.

MDP’s parliamentary group leader, North Hithaadho MP Ibrahim Nazil who also spoke the press conference backs MP Ghafoor’s remarks, citing the huge expenses by the government for trips abroad as they take measures to reduce expenditure.

“Three ministers had gone to China seeking funds or projects related to economic matters. Why was it not the Economic Minister,” he questioned.

MP Nazil accused the current administration of spending more than necessary by sending officials unrelated to the matter at hand.

On July 3^rd, an emergency motion by MDP’s South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem demanding the state reveal the total number of political appointees and the total expenditure incurred by SOEs in remuneration to staff was rejected

Another emergency motion by MDP’s Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir calling to cap political positions was rejected on July 9^th.

PNC defended the rejections citing they would not allow for the parliament to undertake “unnecessary” work.

The current administration has reiterated on multiple occasions that political appointees will not exceed 700. However, the numbers have never been disclosed.