An online petition has called for a decrease in the salaries and allowances of MPs.
It calls for decreasing salaries, cancelling committee allowance and special health insurance for MPs and their families and removing benefits for former MPs. The petition can be signed online.
"As concerned citizens of the Maldives, we are deeply troubled by the excessive financial burden placed on our economy due to the high salaries, committee allowances, and premium health insurance benefits received by Members of Parliament (MPs)," the petition stated.
Social media users have shared the petition and criticised MPs for the excessive benefits.
"We urge the People’s Majlis to take immediate action to revise these policies and ensure that public funds are allocated more responsibly," the petition stated.
MPs currently earn MVR 82,500 each month, including allowances. The state also provides additional allowances for committee meetings and a special health insurance package for MPs and their families.
The parliament debated pay cuts for MPs in July last year. At the time, most MPs expressed their stance against it.
A poll conducted by Adhadhu on X showed that many people wanted the salary of MPs to be decreased to MVR 40,000.
The poll asked what the total salary of MPs should be with allowances. A total of 677 people voted within 24 hours.
About 44.5 percent voted for a total salary of MVR 40,000, while 36 percent said the total should be between MVR 40,000 and MVR 60,000. Only eight percent voted for a salary of between MVR 60,000 and MVR 80,000.
