Millions in Donations, Empty Accounts: MPs’ Financial Statements Revealed
26th Sitting of second session of 2025. | Photo: People’s majlis
Parliament has published the financial statements of 87 MPs, exposing stark contrasts between members declaring millions in income, assets and gifts, and others reporting bank balances of less than MVR 500 — with one MP even showing a negative balance.
As required under Section 68 of the Rules of Parliament, MPs must submit a statement of assets and financial interests annually, within one year of taking their oath. The deadline for the current Parliament is 31 March. Six MPs’ statements, including five from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), are yet to be made public.
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Among the declarations, Jumhooree Party (JP) leader and Maamigili MP Qasim Ibrahim reported MVR 3.7 million as salary, MVR 1.7 million from rent, and MVR 400,000 from shares. The Villa Resorts owner also listed ownership of 31 plots of land in Maamigili, nine in Malé, and a luxury flat in Singapore.
Maldives Democratic Alliance (MDA) leader and Meedhoo MP Ahmed Siyam Mohamed declared income exceeding USD 5.6 million (MVR 86.3 million), along with property holdings in Malé and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His statement also recorded MVR 29.2 million in retirement pension savings.
By contrast, Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem, owner of the Red Wave retail chain, reported a zero balance in his Bank of Maldives accounts despite receiving MVR 1.9 million in parliamentary salary and MVR 1.5 million in business profits.
The financial statement of Baarah MP Ibrahim Sujau also drew attention. Sujau, who has been under scrutiny following leaks from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) alleging that his companies received millions of rufiyaa from state-owned enterprises, declared ownership of two plots of land, an apartment and a raw house. His reported income for the year was MVR 2 million, comprising MVR 1.8 million in salary and allowances and MVR 210,000 from rental income.
Despite these earnings, Sujau’s bank accounts held only modest balances — MVR 80,234, USD 700, MVR 5,780, USD 3,200, 13,100 Sri Lankan rupees and 150 UAE dirhams in cash. The statement also revealed significant liabilities, including outstanding balances of MVR 4.6 million across three loans. His company, Official Event, also has an outstanding loan of MVR 5 million.
Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla disclosed receiving MVR 958,982 in contributions from supporters to cover travel expenses and credit card bills.
MDP parliamentary group leader and South Hithadhoo MP Ibrahim Nazil reported income of MVR 895,923. His accounts held MVR 1.3 million and USD 7,200. He also listed ownership of four plots of land in his native Hithadhoo and a flat in Gaakoshi, Malé.
Several MPs reported heavy loan obligations and credit card debts, while others disclosed millions in gifts and donations. However, the identities of donors are not specified in the public documents.
Last year, Parliament amended its regulations to tighten disclosure requirements, mandating that MPs file initial financial statements within three months of taking office and provide annual updates by 31 August. At the time, members said the move was necessary to strengthen accountability and public trust.
