President calls for cuts in allowances for ex-presidents, MPs

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has proposed reducing the allowances paid to former presidents and former members of Parliament.

The President made the remarks in a message sent on Sunday to a WhatsApp group of MPs from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC). “We are the servants of the people,” he wrote, adding that he believes allowances currently granted under existing laws should be reduced.

His comments follow renewed public debate on the issue after statistics on benefits for former presidents and MPs were circulated on social media, having been obtained through a request under the Right to Information Act.

Under the Former Presidents’ Allowances Act, a president who served one term receives MVR 50,000 per month, while those who served more than one term receive MVR 75,000. In addition, they are entitled to MVR 50,000 per month for living expenses. If engaged in socially beneficial work, former presidents may receive up to MVR 175,000 monthly for office expenses.

The Privileges and Powers of Parliament Act also grants service allowances to former MPs. Those who served one term are entitled to 30 per cent of an MP’s salary, while those who served two terms are entitled to 45 per cent. Former MPs also receive health insurance benefits similar to those provided to sitting members. These allowances become payable after withdrawal from membership, with eligibility beginning at age 55.

Some PNC MPs have expressed concern that former MPs continue to receive these benefits even while employed in other positions.

The President’s view echoes a proposal previously put forward in the 19th Parliament by then-MP and current Attorney General Ahmed Usham, who sought to amend the law to reduce such allowances. The amendment was rejected by the then MDP majority in Parliament.