Malé, Maldives – Parliamentarians have spent MVR 3.6 million for VIP lounge privileges in the past 3 years at the Velana International Airport located in the capital city Malé.
According to information released by the Maldives Parliament upon the request by Aimon Latheef under the RTI Act,
The members of the Maldives Parliament used USD 38,160, USD 33,000 and USD 12,060 respectively in 2018, 2019 and 2020. The spouses and dependents of the parliamentarians recorded fewer VIP expenses than other family members and friends. In 2018 and 2019 the family and friends recorded higher expenses than the parliamentarians themselves with USD 51,480 and USD 35,580 respectively.
This comes at a time when the parliament is reviewing its decision to cover the expenses for friends to use the VIP lounge amid public criticism.
