Gemanafushi MP Asadullah Shihab has raised concerns over the government’s decision to allocate $2 million (MVR 28 million) to illuminate 36 islands for this year's Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Speaking at today’s Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee meeting, MP Asad, a member of the ruling PNC, called for an investigation into the spending, stating that such a large expenditure on decorations is highly questionable.
"Last week, news reports indicated that $2 million will be spent on illuminating islands, whether for Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha is unclear. If this goes ahead, it is an even bigger issue than the ventilator scandal," Asad said, stressing the magnitude of the spending.
He highlighted that the estimated cost of $50,000 to $60,000 per island for Eid decorations is unjustifiable and urged the Public Accounts Committee to obtain detailed information on the project. While the Ministry of Local Government has announced the initiative, MP Asad has proposed that the project details be formally submitted to the committee for review, emphasizing the need for strict oversight of state expenditures.