The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will support the administration’s proposed legislative package aimed at cutting state spending and reforming the economy, Member of Parliament (MP) for South Hulhumalé, Ahmed Shamheed has said.
The MDP will support the three administration proposed bills targeting economic reform, said Shamheed.
“Among them are is subsidy reform, which we most certainly support. But lowering the price of fish is not a proposal we support,” the MDP parliamentarian said.
Shamheed, a former Transport Minister, said one of the more significant things that can be done to reduce state expenditure is to reduce the number of political positions and politically motivated positions at state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Spending close to MVR 800 million per month on salaries alone is untenable, he said.
The administration should make serious efforts to gain the trust of foreign financial institutions and they will have the MDP’s full cooperation in these efforts, the MP said.
MP for Kendhoo Mauroof Zakir, meanwhile, expressed grave concern over a rejected motion to parliament for the administration to reveal all political appointments.
President Mohammed Muizzu came into office on the assurance that the number of his political appointees would not exceed 700. However, the opposition alleges that the administration has created nearly 2,000 political posts.