FACT-CHECK: Did Muizzu Allocate More PSIP Funds Than Solih?

On Tuesday, Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation Deputy Minister Hassan Zihan compared debt and PSIP statistics between the current and previous administration, implying that Dr Muizzu’s government is more financially beneficial than previous ones.

He supported this statement by referencing data indicating that Dr. Muizzu, within the initial three months of assuming power, allocated over MVR 1 Billion to PSIP projects despite inheriting a significant debt burden from the previous administration

Claim: Within the first 3 months of coming into power, Dr. Muizzu has allocated over MVR 1 Billion to PSIP projects despite the debt burden he inherited.

FACT CHECK: Technically True

Debt Repaid: The claim states that Dr. Muizzu repaid MVR 871 million in 2019, while in 2024, President Solih repaid MVR 318 million. These figures indicate a difference in debt repayment between the two administrations.

However, it’s important to note that the figures provided do not encompass the entire debt situation. They only represent specific repayments and do not provide a comprehensive overview of the total debt management strategies of both administrations.

PSIP Allocation:

According to the claim, in 2019, President Solih allocated MVR 494 million to PSIP projects, while in 2024, Dr. Muizzu allocated MVR 1.1 Billion. These figures suggest a significant increase in PSIP allocation under Dr. Muizzu’s administration.

While the figures seem accurate, it’s crucial to consider the context of the overall budget and revenue streams. Comparing the PSIP allocations alone might not provide a complete understanding of the fiscal policies and priorities of the respective administrations.

The data shows there was an increase in revenue from MVR 23 billion in 2019 under President Solih’s administration to MVR 33.5 billion in 2024 under Dr. Muizzu’s administration. This increase in revenue implies that there were more funds available for PSIP projects in 2024 compared to 2019.

In the first quarter of 2023, MVR 2.9 billion was spent. Likewise, MVR 1.1 billion was allocated within the first quarter of 2024 under Dr. Muizzu’s administration. This comparison suggests a decrease in PSIP spending under Dr. Muizzu’s administration.

The Verdict:
While the claim accurately presents figures regarding debt repayment, PSIP allocations, and revenue changes between the two administrations, it lacks some context and comprehensive analysis. The increase in PSIP allocation under Dr. Muizzu’s administration seems supported by the higher revenue figures.

The selective use of data, the framing of statistics within a particular context, and the choice of comparison points all play a crucial role in shaping the narrative that statistics convey. Consequently, it’s essential to approach statistical claims with a critical eye, considering factors such as the source of the data, the methodology used for analysis, and any potential biases that may influence the presentation of statistics.