PNC MP Nazil: Government Speaks of Taxes in All Weathers; Questions What Has Been Done for the People

PNC MP for Hithadhoo South constituency, Ibrahim Nazil, has stated that the government speaks of taxes in all weathers, and that the public must speak correctly about these matters. Speaking during a debate on an amendment to the Tax Administration Act to establish a situation where 100% of the disputed amount must be paid before appealing a tax assessment, MP Nazil noted that discussions on taxes alongside the budget to improve cash flow have begun during a time when the government discusses taxes in all weathers. He questioned what has been done for the Maldivian people by the current government, listing taxes on tobacco, airports, and travel as examples. He highlighted that while cases submitted to the tribunal take a long time, PNC members have observed that cases are prolonged. He questioned the benefit to businessmen if they have to pay 100% of the money and the case drags on for 10-12 years, after currently having to pay only 25% of the money due to MIRA before taking a case to the tribunal. He also questioned whether adequate studies on this matter have been conducted. MP Nazil alleged that the government always increases taxes for the budget around November, taking money from the people by increasing taxes in various ways, and then spends the entire budget. He claimed that while the government says the budget is used up evenly, the people are going down day by day, businesses are failing, and shops on the main street are becoming empty. He further alleged that the government does nothing except collect tax money through sales. MP Nazil stated that the government does not know how to budget money without collecting taxes. Introducing the bill, Funaadhoo constituency PNC MP Mohamed Mamdooh said the main purpose of the bill, in addition to arranging for the state to collect its due taxes without delay, is to narrow the opportunities for illegal transactions that obstruct the country's development by using legal loopholes and various tricks to delay tax payments.