Three parliamentarians receive nearly MVR 1 million in gifts

Three Maldivian parliamentarians received nearly MVR 1 million in money as gifts from well-wishers, according to the latest financial statements submitted to the Parliament.

The annual financial statements, publicized by the Parliament on Tuesday, shows Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla and South Maafannu MP Abdulla Rifau – both from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), along with South Hulhumale’ MP Dr. Ahmed Shamheed had received money as gifts.

Abdul Raheem, the chairperson of PNC, disclosed that he received MVR 120,191.76 in money as gifts, which he said was spent on travel and paying the bill on his credit cards.

Meanwhile, Rifau disclosed he received MVR 300,000 in money as gifts, while Shamheed received USD 36,000 (approximately MVR 555,120). However, neither disclosed how they spent the money.

The Parliament states that 91 out of 93 parliamentarians submitted their financial statements by the August 31 deadline.

The two parliamentarians who failed to submit in time were North Machangolhi MP Ibrahim Mohamed (Janab) and Naifaru MP Yaseen Abdulla, both of whom are from the PNC.

Parliamentarians are required to submit their financial statements on an annual basis, providing a full account of their yearly income, bank account balances, loans, and assets they own. They are also required to disclose any stakes they have in companies, the cash in their possession, details of assets they may have sold, as well as intellectual property they own.

They are also required to disclose the finances of their spouses and children under the age of 18.