Millions on campaign can't be recovered with salary cut, Falah says
Falaah stated that he did not support salary reductions during this parliamentary term, citing the financial burden incurred by MPs during campaigns.
Ahmed Hameed, a presenter, criticised PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falaah in a Facebook post, questioning the justification for spending large sums of money.
The comment followed a post by Falaah on X, where he explained his stance on a public petition calling for a reduction in committee allowances and insurance benefits for Members of Parliament (MPs).
Falaah stated that he did not support salary reductions during this parliamentary term, citing the financial burden incurred by MPs during election campaigns.
“There will be no way to pay off the debt taken for the election by spending millions of MVR and reducing the salary of those who enter Parliament,” he wrote.
He noted that the previous MDP-majority Parliament had approved an increase in MP salaries and that the current Parliament had not followed the same approach under President Mohamed Muizzu's instructions.
Falaah said he does not oppose reducing MP salaries but believes such changes should take effect in a new parliamentary term to ensure those elected are aware of the financial conditions in advance.
He also suggested that the petition should include allowances for other officials, such as judges and former presidents.
Falaah concluded by commending President Muizzu, stating that he had set an example by voluntarily reducing his own salary.
