A petition calling for the repeal of laws granting exclusive health insurance coverage to MPs and their families across SAARC and ASEAN nations has gathered enough signatures to mandate a floor debate in the People’s Majlis.
The petition demands that lawmakers be integrated into the same national health insurance scheme provided to the general public.
The petition was initiated by social media activist Midhuam Saud, who also spearheaded a recent petition against government-proposed amendments to the Decentralization Act. Launched last night, the petition has already garnered over 3,000 signatures.
"Providing health insurance to representatives in the Majlis using public funds—benefits that the general public themselves do not receive—is unheard of in any mature political system. Even countries far wealthier than the Maldives do not practice this," the petition states.
Under the Parliament Privileges and Powers Act, every member, their spouse, and children under the age of 18 must be enrolled in a medical insurance scheme that provides coverage in the Maldives, as well as SAARC and ASEAN countries. This law also extends health insurance benefits to former members of parliament.
The special medical insurance scheme for lawmakers has long been a point of public contention, with many citizens arguing that members should not be entitled to a separate, privileged insurance tier.
According to the Standing Orders of the Majlis, a petition signed by 0.2 percent of the population may be submitted to a parliamentary committee. However, a floor debate becomes mandatory if a petition is signed by 0.5 percent of the population. Based on current population figures, 0.2 percent equates to approximately 840 people, while the 0.5 percent threshold required for a floor debate is 2,100 signatures.
The Standing Orders further dictate that once a petition meets the second threshold, the Petition Committee must hold its first meeting within two days of receipt to bring the matter to the government's attention. Additionally, the committee must forward the petition to the Speaker of the Majlis to facilitate a floor debate.
Furthermore, the government is required to disclose its stance on the petition within 30 days of being notified. The regulations also mandate that the government submit to the Majlis the measures it intends to take to address the concerns raised in the petition.
The regulations specify that the 30-day period for the government's response excludes public holidays.
