Three MPs Report Nearly MVR 1 Million in Gifts as Two Miss Financial Declaration Deadline

Three Members of Parliament have declared gifts worth nearly MVR 1 million in their latest financial disclosures, while two lawmakers failed to submit their required declarations by the statutory deadline, according to the People’s Majlis.

Among the disclosures published by Parliament, three MPs reported significant amounts received as gifts:

• Dr Ahmed Shamheed, MP for South Hulhumalé, declared USD 36,000 in gifts.
• Abdulla Rifau, MP for South Maafannu, reported MVR 300,000 in gifts.
• Abdul Raheem Abdulla, MP for Fonadhoo and Speaker of Parliament, declared MVR 120,191.76.

The three declarations total approximately MVR 975.311.76 when converted at the prevailing exchange rate of MVR 15.42 to the US dollar.

In his filing, Abdul Raheem stated that the declared funds were received to cover official travel expenses and settle outstanding credit card obligations.

Parliament confirmed that 91 of its 93 members submitted their financial declarations by the 31 August deadline. The two MPs who failed to file are Ibrahim Mohamed (Janabu), MP for North Machangoalhi, and Yaaseen Abdulla, MP for Naifaru.

The financial declarations published by Parliament cover a range of financial information, including annual income, bank account balances, personal debts, and outstanding loans, as well as assets registered in each lawmaker’s name. 

The disclosures also require MPs to provide information on corporate shareholdings, cash holdings, certain assets sold during the reporting period, and registered intellectual property.

The financial declarations form part of statutory disclosure requirements applicable to members of the People’s Majlis, intended to provide transparency over lawmakers’ financial interests.

Parliament has not stated the reasons given by Ibrahim Mohamed and Yaseen Abdulla for failing to submit their declarations by the deadline, nor whether any further action will be taken over the missed filings.