MP Nazil: Some families generating MVR 2mn in income from political appointments

There are some families in the Maldives generating an income of MVR 2 million from political appointments, alleged Ibrahim Nazil, the leader of main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s parliamentary group.

During a parliamentary debate on Wednesday morning on the criminal asset recovery bill submitted by the government, Nazil, the representative for South Hithadhoo, spoke about the high number of political appointments made by the incumbent administration.

He alleged that some families were earning close to MVR 2 million in salaries alone, with “four or five siblings and multiple other relatives” appointed to political posts.

Nazil believes that this falls under illicit enrichment and suggested that such individuals too, should be penalized under the new legislation.

He said that the bill should be revised during the committee review.

“Honorable Speaker, there are some households getting some MVR 2 million from the incumbent administration. This is something we must discuss,” he said.

Nazil’s remarks come amid continued scrutiny over the hundreds of political appointees in government ministries, and many more in state-owned enterprises, raising concerns over wastage of public funds on unnecessary appointments.

Following President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s 2023 presidential election win, his then-spokesperson Mohamed Firuzul said the administration’s political appointments would be capped at 700. But the figure disclosed by the President’s Office in 2025 exceeds the promised cap by 222 officials.

The MDP has long alleged the actual number of political appointees exceeds 2,000.