Qasim responds to Ibra’s comments

15 December 2007
Report: Soodh

Minister of Finance and Treasury Qasim Ibrahim has responded to MP Ibrahim Ismail(Ibra)’s comments which accused the proposed budget for 2008 being in conflict with the constitution of the country. Finance Minister Qasim said Ibra’s comments are incorrect and without any basis.

Speaking to Miadhu Minister Qasim said Ibra’s comments do have not any legal basis.

MP for Male’ Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra)as well as the Leader of Social liberal Party (SLP) stated at the Majlis session held last Wednesday that proposed budget for 2008 was in conflict with the article 78 of the of the current constitution.

Ibra said that article 78 of the constitution requires all expenditures for the year to be included in the budget and as the proposed budget for 2008 does not indicate expenditures clearly it is against the constitution.

“I have specified those information required under article 78 of the constitution in my budget address, government revenue and expenditure for last year and how government expenditure was determined and how much revenue the government would earn for this year is already given; government expenditure and revenue for the coming year as required in constitution is already given” said Qasim in response to Ibra’s comments.

Qasim further noted although Members to fulfill their own political reasons express their views, issues will only be accepted to the People’s Special Majlis and People’s Majlis in accordance with specified regulations.

Qasim further indicated that Majlis would not accept any thing that is contrary to the constitution.

Speaking at the Majlis session held last Thursday, Qasim said views expressed by Members regarding the budget were not fair and that Members should refrain from doing so.

Commenting on the subject, Speaker of the People’s Majlis Ahmed Zahir said that he does not believe Speaker of the Majlis should respond to personal views expressed by Members unless otherwise such comments contradicts the constitution.

Many Members are criticizing the proposed budget for 2008. Among them are DRP, President’s Members as well as opposition Members.