Opposition expressed skepticism over the government proposed revenue measures for next year with a senior opposition lawmaker warning that the government would require to mint currency in order to plug the shortfall.
While speaking at budget committee on Monday, Maradhoo member Ibrahim Shareef had stressed that should the proposed revenue measures do not get implemented through the parliament. Shareef had said the amendment to tax regulations have been proposed to increase revenue collection by next year, but warned these amendments would not get majority go ahead.
"None of the constitutional laws or regulations proposed by the government will be approved, majority support won't be subjected and GST will not be increased. Threshold would not be decreased either and BPT would not be changed," Shareef said adding "Government has no other option but to mint currency for adjustment."
According to Maldives Constitution, bills related directly to the citizens require a quorum of half of the representatives present in parliament. A quorum of minimum 43 attendants can only be done through opposition lawmakers presence as well.
Shareef accuses the government of deriving results through the influence of parliament and its Speaker.
The lawmaker had also criticized of not summoning both Auditor General and Governor for budget deliberation as customary every year.
Shareef had also stated that while he had refrained from protesting at the parliament chambers til date, he would break his usual conduct and actively protest at the chambers due to the proceedings of state budget deliberation.
