Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) Governor Ahmed Munawwar has briefed the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on the country’s ongoing dollar shortage in a closed-door session, following a request by the MMA to keep the meeting confidential.

Committee Vice Chair and MP for Eydhafushi, Ahmed Saleem, confirmed MMA’s request, putting the decision to a committee vote. Opposition MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa strongly objected, arguing that public awareness and transparency are essential, especially amid growing concern over foreign currency access.

Supporting the call for openness, MPs Dr Ahmed Shamheed and Mohamed Ghafoor stressed there was no justification to keep economic issues confidential, adding that secrecy undermines accountability. However, only two members voted against the closed session, and the meeting proceeded in private.

Despite concerns, it was noted that relevant information from the meeting would be shared with the public through the committee and MMA.