An opposition lawmaker yesterday (30) warned the government against sidelining urgent economic reforms in its ongoing fight against corruption.
Speaking at a press briefing on 30 September, SJB parliamentarian S.M. Marikkar stressed that tackling corruption alone would not resolve the country’s deep-rooted economic challenges.
Marikkar urged the government to focus on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) as a vital step to address the looming debt crisis, with significant repayments due in 2028.
“If the United States Dollar income is not increased, it would be impossible to repay debts in 2028. That is when the crisis breaks out,” he warned.
While acknowledging the government’s anti-corruption efforts as commendable, Marikkar cautioned against allowing these measures to become tools of oppression.
He emphasised that opposing oppression should not be conflated with defending corrupt individuals.
“Thieves should be arrested, and the money that they stole should be taken back. However, that is not enough,” he said.
Marikkar also highlighted the urgent need for the government to ensure access to essential food items, quality education for children, and an effective healthcare system, noting that penalising corruption alone will not drive the country forward.
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