The Parliament's General Affairs Committee last night reversed its decision from earlier in the day for family members and travel companions of MPs to use the VIP lounge at the Velana International Airport (VIA).
The decision was annulled after an impromptu committee meeting was held last night in the face of public outrage.
An amendment to the parliamentary rules for all travel companions of MPs to receive VIP lounge services was proposed yesterday by Feydhoo Dhekunu MP Ibrahim Didi. The proposal to reverse the change at last night's meeting was also proposed by Didi.
At last night's meeting, Didi said he believed the decision - which had been approved unanimously earlier on Wednesday - should be reversed in line with the government's cost-cutting policy in light of the country's constrained finances.
The proposal was seconded by Thimarafushi MP Ahmed Riyaz.
The decision to allow all travel companions of MPs to use the airport's VIP services was reversed with unanimous consent of all MPs who attended the committee meeting last night.
The decision had previously been made by the General Affairs Committee of the 19th Parliament. However, it was not implemented at the time. Yesterday's decision to revive the parked provision and start implementation prompted public dissatisfaction and anger towards MPs.
It is unacceptable for MPs and senior government officials to enjoy expensive privileges after urging the public to tighten their belts, several people said on social media.
