The People's Majlis today voted to advise the President that the salaries of MPs, senior officials of the judiciary and heads of independent institutions cannot be reduced as proposed by the government.

The Public Accounts Committee's report on the matter was approved without any changes at today's parliament sitting. It was passed with 44 votes in favour. Opposition MPs did not take part in the vote.

The pay cuts, to be implemented for two years, are part of the government's economic reform agenda. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced the measures with the approved state budget for this year.

The proposal had three key points:

• 10 percent deduction from the salaries of MPs
• 10 percent deduction from the salaries of senior officials in the judiciary
• 10 percent deduction from the basic salaries of heads of independent institutions who receive a basic salary of more than MVR 12,000 each month

The main concern of the committee was that many laws would have to be amended to make these changes. Funadhoo MP Mohamed Mamdooh from the ruling party said the committee members do not view the proposed deductions as fair.

The committee decided to advise the President that the changes in salaries should not be made at this time as salaries cannot be reduced unless several related laws are amended.

Additionally, the committee report recommended the merger of the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) to cut costs.

The People's Majlis further recommended the President to strengthen the measures planned to increase revenue while reducing expenditure.