The government’s plan to conduct a comprehensive review of the Civil Service to right-size it and manage the public sector wage bill is causing concern, according to Independent MP Faiyaz Koya.
Koya argues that this move will likely lead to increased migration. “Our young and educated staff are going to find the situation too unstable and opt to leave, and that’s exactly what’s happening,” he stated.
He criticized the government for failing to address critical issues, including the anticipated slowdown in the tourism industry, the worsening labor shortage, high immigration rates, improved business climate, and climate change challenges.
Koya also pointed out the government’s failure to provide incentives for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector. “The 16-year economic performance calculation is incorrect. This period includes the highest growth the country has ever seen. They can’t do their math properly,” he said. “The MSME sector, which fuels growth for any country, has been stifled for the last 18 months.”
He further criticized the government for misleading policies regarding the water industry. “In the last budget, Parliament granted tax-free incentives to water bottling companies. Now, local water companies are being hit with a five-cent tax instead of a one-cent tax, a 500 percent increase,” Koya explained. “The government gave with one hand and took back with the other. Just a year ago, local water bottling companies were happy with their tax-free status. Now, they’re far from pleased.”
As a result of these concerns, the Independent MP did not support the budget.