Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azaan has claimed that the majority of a lawmaker's salary is spent on constituents, leaving many MPs in a state of financial hardship.
Azaan made these remarks in response to a social media post comparing the wage gap between general workers and parliamentarians in various countries. The post compared the Maldives with Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Azaan argued that the income of Maldivian MPs cannot be compared to that of MPs in the countries mentioned. He noted that lawmakers in those nations receive additional funding for office administrative costs, travel expenses, and staff salaries.
"In the Maldives, there is an expectation that MPs must spend on their constituencies. Many people frequently call requesting financial assistance. Since we represent small communities, those seeking help are often family members or close acquaintances, making it difficult to say no," Azaan wrote.
He further noted that this culture does not exist in other countries, mentioning that a visiting British MP was astonished to learn about the financial demands placed on Maldivian lawmakers.
"Furthermore, people believe it is the responsibility of members to sponsor various events throughout the year. This includes school prize days, Eid festivities, New Year celebrations, Ramadan activities, school sports meets, and football tournaments at both island and atoll levels," Azaan added.
"An MP contributes to every such activity, even though this is not part of our official job description or legal responsibility."
Azaan emphasised that when comparing the Maldives to the rest of the world, one must consider the local culture and the expectations the public has of their representatives.
Reflecting on his experience as an MP, Azaan claimed that 90 percent of the constituents who approach him do so to seek financial aid, request favours outside of standard procedures, or ask for help securing jobs for which they are not qualified.
"The reality is that for MPs who do not have additional sources of income, it is difficult to make ends meet by the end of the month. After covering basic living expenses and spending on constituents, members are left with very little," he wrote.
He also pointed out that the cost of travelling to constituencies is often more than members can personally afford. He noted that in other countries, parliaments provide allowances to cover such expenses.
Before his election, Azaan was a vocal critic of parliamentary conduct and the salary structure of lawmakers.
At the time, he had argued that MPs should not serve the government's agenda and expressed his disapproval of the fact that the Parliament holds the power to determine its own pay.
However, Azaan is currently facing backlash, with many accusing him of failing to uphold the principles he advocated for before taking office.
