Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah has said lawmakers cannot repay debts taken for the parliamentary election campaign if their salaries and allowances are reduced.

An online petition has called for decreasing salaries, cancelling committee allowance and special health insurance for MPs and their families and removing benefits for former MPs.

In a post on X, Falah said MPs cannot repay their debts when their salaries are reduced after spending millions on the campaign.

The majority leader expressed support for reducing salaries, but said the best time for the change is at the end of the parliamentary term.

"When MVR 5000 is fixed as the salary for the next 21st session of parliament, the MPs who run for the seat by accepting that amount cannot complain," he said.

Falah also suggested the petition include reducing allowances for former Presidents and the salaries and benefits of judges.

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.