In a bid to reduce tobacco consumption, the President has announced an increase in import duties on cigarettes and tobacco products. This decision aims to encourage the public to avoid tobacco use. To support this initiative, an amendment to the law will be proposed to adjust both the specific and ad valorem rates of import duty on these items, effective November. The specific import duty on cigarettes and bidis will rise from USD 0.20 to USD 0.52 under the Export Import Act, while the ad valorem rate will increase by 50%. Additionally, the President has called for strengthened measures to empower enforcement agencies in curbing tobacco use in public spaces. A comprehensive, nationally recognized campaign will also be launched to assist habitual smokers in quitting. The President urges the public to collaborate in making Maldives a tobacco-free society. Furthermore, the President has announced plans to implement a ban on vaping, effective from December 15. He confirmed that the import of vaping devices and their components will be prohibited starting November 15.
ECM has begun the process of dissolving MRM
The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has begun the process of dissolving the Maldives Reform Movement (MRM), a month after initially announcing its intention to do so. ECM member and spokesperson Hassan Zakaria told PSM News that the MRM has been asked to disclose any debts, but a month has passed without a response. The ECM previously decided to dissolve the MRM for failing to meet the membership requirements set by the Political Parties Act. In response, the party filed a lawsuit in the Civil Court, which ruled in favour of the MRM. Following the court’s decision, the ECM delayed the dissolution and allowed political parties that did not meet the minimum membership threshold three months to reach at least 3,000 members. However, the MRM failed to meet this requirement, marking the second attempt by the ECM to dissolve the party.
Chinese Embassy provides assistance to 32 higher education students
The Chinese Embassy in the Maldives has provided assistance to 32 students pursuing higher education. These students, enrolled at the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM), received scholarships through the Chinese Ambassador Bursary Programme. The scholarships were presented during a handover ceremony attended by State Minister for Higher Education Ahmed Shafeeu, MNU Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Adam, IUM Deputy Vice Chancellor Aishath Waheedha, along with representatives and students from both universities. State Minister Shafeeu emphasized that initiatives like this enhance the relationship between China and the Maldives while cultivating a new generation of leaders for national advancement. He also noted that this effort aligns with the higher education objectives established by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. China’s Ambassador to the Maldives, Wang Lixin, conveyed optimism for the future, asserting that the youth represent the nation’s potential. She underscored the significance of Maldivian students seizing educational opportunities in China, supported by the Chinese government. Shortly, 12 students from MNU and IUM will embark on their educational journeys in China. This scholarship program illustrates the strong bond, mutual support, and partnership between the Maldives and China. The Chinese government has continually backed educational initiatives in the Maldives, promoting human resource development and encouraging self-sufficiency.
Committee approves USD 7 million budget for Auditor General’s Office
The Parliament’s Budget Committee has approved a budget of USD 7.39 million for the Auditor General’s Office (AGO) for the upcoming year. The Constitution mandates the AGO to submit its budget separately to ensure its independence from external influences. In the meeting held by the Budget Committee, the AGO submitted a budget of USD 6.45 million, with USD 5.21 million for recurrent and capital expenses and USD 1.23 million for the construction works of the office building being developed in Hulhumale’. The AGO consulted the Ministry of Finance during budget preparations, suggesting a reduction in salaries and wages. However, the Budget Committee opted not to do so, citing past complaints from the AGO about difficulties in hiring experienced auditors due to low salaries. They stressed the importance of a budget that avoids financial constraints while enhancing the office’s capabilities. Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance recommended raising the USD 1.23 million budget allocated for developing the office building in Hulhumale’ to USD 2.20 million. As a result, Parliamentarian Ibrahim Shujau submitted a revised budget of USD 7.39 million to the committee, which was approved by a majority of its members.
MMA issues licence for the Development Bank of Maldives
Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has issued the licence required for the Development Bank of Maldives Limited (DBM). President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced the formation of the DBM, on May 16. The request to obtain the licence required to create the bank was submitted to MMA in July. In a ceremony held in MMA, the licence was handed over by MMA’s Governor Ahmed Munawwar. It was received by the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed. The government decided to establish the DBM such that it aligns with the government’s strategic policies. Its primary objectives include funding infrastructure projects, investing in sustainable economic and social development, and addressing the challenges associated with financing Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) projects through syndicated financing. Additionally, it seeks to promote greater retention of foreign exchange within the nation’s banking system, fostering economic stability and growth. Members were elected to the DBM’s Board of Directors, on October 12. As such, Aruni Goonetilleke, from Singapore, was appointed as the Chairperson of the bank. Meanwhile, Noel Gregor Paterson-Jones was appointed as the bank’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Chairperson Aruni Goonetilleke is a financial services expert with over 25 years of experience in global financial markets, specializing in business origination, governance, credit assessment, and risk management in emerging markets. Her background includes transformational roles in Corporate Banking, Credit, Risk Management, and Internal Audit across international and Sri Lankan banks. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) from Harvard University. CEO Noel Gregor Paterson-Jones has been a key figure in green investments, leading the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund in Saudi Arabia as Chief Investment Officer. He also chairs the Electric Vehicle Africa Fund and manages clean energy projects in Southeast Asia, demonstrating his expertise in green finance and infrastructure development. He holds a M Phil Management Studies from Oxford University, U.K.
183 students sit for Bar Council examination this year
A total of 183 students participated in the Bar Council examination held by the Bar Council of Maldives. This compulsory examination, mandated by the Legal Profession Act, is a crucial step for aspiring lawyers. The examination took place at Villa College on Saturday, where 190 students were registered. However, only 183 students sat for the exam. With this year’s participation, the cumulative number of students who have sat for the examination since its inception has reached 505. To qualify as a lawyer under the Legal Profession Act of Maldives, candidates must meet three basic requirements: passing the bar examination, obtaining a first degree in law recognized by the Bar Council, and completing the required licensing training for practical experience in the legal field. The bar examination is designed to ensure that new lawyers possess the essential legal knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective legal services. This year’s examination included questions covering six main areas of law. The curriculum for the bar examination is developed by a “Committee of Experts,” comprising experienced lawyers, legal educators, and judges. For the first time, this year’s examinees received recorded lectures and newly introduced sections of the curriculum. The organization of this year’s bar examination was supported by the government, USAID, and the American Bar Association.