Government's bills are amassing power, towards dictatorship: MDP

Government sponsored bills to the Parliament are aimed at amassing power and towards dictatorship, accused opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Speaking at a press conference held by MDP's Parliamentary Group, MP of Kendhoo constituency Mauroof Zakir said that the bills proposed to the Parliament last week and this week indicate that all powers are being directed to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. They highlighted the President getting the power to elect the leadership of the Elections Commission and Anti Corruption Commission, and the proposal to increase the fines imposed on political parties. They also said that the amendments to the penal code also indicate similar patterns.

Hanimaadhoo constituency's MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo) said that MDP's administration was changed because people believed something was wrong with the MDP ruling. As such, the current government has to do better than them, he said.

"Governments should always improve [than the last]. [It] shouldn't move towards a dictatorship. We should see public funds managed properly and corruption being reduced," Ghafoor said.

However, this is not being seen, he said, adding that what is being seen are matters worsening and the public becoming poor. Instead, the only interest that should be put forward is that of the public, he advised.

Criticising next year's annual budget, Ghafoor said that there is no hope for the people from it, and that it does not show any meaningful activities for the people.

"Everything is ending in the exact opposite of what is being said - whether it's a word or a task promised, or a pledge to the public - everything is exactly the opposite," he accused.

MDP's PG Leader MP Ibraim Nazil said that although there is a MVR 4 billion budget for PSIP projects, it is unclear what the projects are or how that figure was derived.

He said that the details must be revealed, and announced they will be requesting for the figures in writing.