New MPs-elect have started pledging to cut monthly financial benefits from the state to former members of Parliament as a social media campaign calling for the change gains momentum.
MPs who have served one term are paid MVR 18,000 a month as benefits, rising to MVR 27,000 a month for MPs who have served two or more terms. The benefits are mandated by the parliamentary privileges law.
Most people consider it discriminatory for the state to spend more than the monthly salary of an average person on MPs rejected by voters every time that a new Parliament is elected.
On social media, activists and members of the public have been tagging the MP-elect of their constituency and calling on them to state their views. In response, some MPs-elect have posted on X with support for the change.
MP-elect for Hulhumale’ Dhekunu Ahmed Shamheed was the first to tweet in support of the change. Sharing the link for a news article about the campaign in a Maldivian newspaper, he wrote that it was “a good idea.”
Ibrahim Shujau, who was elected to the 20th People’s Majlis as the MP for Baarah after previously serving as the representative of the constituency in the 18th Majlis, shared a video posted by a supporter of his statements during a debate ahead of the elections.
During the debate, Shujau said he would advocate for scrapping the monthly benefits and insurance for former MPs and for ensuring that they receive the same healthcare as ordinary citizens.
After sharing the video, Shujau wrote that he supports reducing the benefits for former Presidents and retired judges and setting benefits at the same rate for former MPs as well.
“I think everyone advocating this with good intentions raising their voices to cut the benefits received by persons who have filled these three posts would show that they have good intentions in this,” said Shujau, who won the strongest support in the last elections.
In a response to a post from a constituent, MP-elect for Galolhu Uthuru Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) said issuing diplomatic passports and providing insurance for former MPs should also be brought to an end along with the financial benefits.
Mohamed Aslan Ahmed, the youngest MP-elect this time, said scrapping the benefits would be his highest priority in Parliament.
“As the benefits given to people who have been members is an unnecessary expense from the state, cancelling those benefits is one task that I will do as a priority in my term in Majlis,” said Aslan, who was elected to the Thinadhoo Dhekunu constituency as an independent candidate.
Funadhoo MP-elect Mohamed Mamdhooh (Mandey) said in a reply to a constituent that MPs determining their own salary should also end along with the benefits.
“The salary and allowances of MPs should be brought in line with the public. I believe that the power to do it should be taken away from the hands of the Majlis,” Mamdhooh wrote.
MP-elect for Addu Hithadhoo Medhu Ahmed Azaan Marzooq shared a video of a speech he gave during a rally in the constituency where he expressed opposition to the benefits and special medical services for former MPs.
titledesc
