Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has issued a three-line whip to support Government decision to increase tax.

MDP's Parliamentary Group (PG) Leader, Mohamed Aslam told 'One' that the decision was made unanimously by all the MDP MP's.

"We have issued a three-line whip to support the government decision to increase tax," he said.

He added that MDP PG has shared the three-line whip decision on the PG WhatsApp group as well.

Aslam added that although MDP PG has issued a three-line whip, there are some members from Speaker Nasheed's faction who do not support the decision to raise the tax. However, Nasheed had previously voiced his support for the tax hike.

Government decided to raise the GST from 6% to 8% and TGST from 12% to 16% in July, citing the economic crisis due to global increase in fuel prices as well as global current affairs.

The bill was submitted to Parliament on 11 September by Ihavandhoo constituency MP Mohamed Shifau. The bill was accepted with 32 out of 42 member votes. The bill is being reviewed by the Whole-House Committee.