A report published in Minivan News talked about the exceptionally high salaries of the President of Maldives and other government officials. The report says that more than Rf. 35 million has been spent on government salaries in 2005. President Gayoom received Rf. 900 000 (US$ 70 313) in total. The highest salaries are given to foreign diplomats. I am quoting from the report:
Details of the salaries of senior government members have been leaked to Minivan. According to the document, over 35 million rufiyaa of government money was spent on salaries last year.
President Gayoom received Rf. 75 000 (US$ 5 859) every month, or Rf. 900 000 (US$ 70 313) in total for the year.
But most surprising is the enormous amount given in “pocket money living expenses” to foreign diplomats.
Hassan Sobir, High Commissioner to the UK and EU, received US$25 000 (Rf. 320 000), totalling US$ 300 000 (Rf. 3 840 000) for the year. Aside from that, he also received a monthly salary of Rf. 28 000. (US$ 2 188), which means he cost the Maldivian people US$ 326 250 (Rf. 4 176 000) a year.
In order to promote the country’s image, Maldives’ government set up an office in Geneva. The office was formed under the guidance of a public relations company, Hill & Knowlton, who are payed $20,000 each month. In addition, all high commissioners and ambassadors received additional pocket money allowance aside from their regular wage of Rf. 28000.
Maldives is a small under developed country. Tourism is the country’s major foreign currency earner. More than 40% of the population lives in poverty and earn less than $1 per day.
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Maldives’ present president has been serving the country for the last 28 years. Although he tries to reflect that he is a democratic minded person, there are critics inside the country that refers him as an autocratic leader. According to BBC report, three coups took place during his rule. Another report published in Dhivehi Observer says that Gayoom’s family members have bought four properties in England. The estimated price of the properties is 2.2 million pounds and they are the top properties of England.
In any country, government officials enjoy better facilities compared to normal people but what we see here is more than better. What is Gayoom’s intention behind taking such huge amount of salary? Related articles:
Dhivehi Observer
Minivan News
Asian Tribune
BBC
Maldives Culture
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