Govt to seek legal amendments to cut benefits for ex-pres, MPs

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to amend laws to remove some of the privileges granted to former presidents and members of Parliament.

The decision follows public criticism of the level of state expenditure on benefits for former officeholders. Earlier this week, the President told a WhatsApp group of ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) MPs that allowances paid to former leaders should be reduced.

In a post on X on Wednesday, President Muizzu confirmed that the government will propose legislative changes to cut certain benefits. He also said the government would move to equalise pension entitlements for all public service retirees.

“The rules will be amended so that when a person receiving pension benefits returns to public service, those benefits will be suspended for the duration of employment,” he wrote.

Under the Former Presidents’ Allowances Act, a former president receives MVR 50,000 per month after serving one term, and MVR 75,000 after serving more than one term. They also receive MVR 50,000 in living expenses, with the potential to claim up to MVR 175,000 per month for office costs if engaged in public work.

The Privileges and Powers of Parliament Act entitles former MPs to service allowances once they reach retirement age. Those who served one term are entitled to 30 per cent of an MP’s salary, while two-term members receive 45 per cent. They are also granted medical coverage equivalent to that of sitting MPs and an official passport.

Some PNC MPs have raised concerns that individuals continue to draw pensions while holding other jobs after leaving parliamentary service.