MP Falah Defends Tax Amendment, Says It Benefits Businesses and Citizens

Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah has defended the government’s proposed amendment to the Tax Administration Act (Law No. 3/2010), insisting it is not a new tax but a reform that benefits both the public and businesses. Speaking in Parliament, Falah noted that while the requirement to pay 25% of the tax amount to the Tax Appeal Tribunal remains, the new amendment removes fines from this calculation. Previously, fines were included, often making the cost of appealing significantly higher than the original tax. Falah argued this change prevents baseless, prolonged appeals and serves the national interest. He dismissed criticism of the bill from the opposition as political rhetoric, calling for a focus on the public good over individual business interests. Falah praised the government’s overall economic management, specifically highlighting the recent upgrade to the Maldives' credit rating by Fitch Ratings.