Parliament rejects bill on slashing ex-MPs benefits
The bill, submitted by MNP Vice President and Vilimale MP Ahmed Usham, was rejected with the vote of 31 parliamentarians.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
Parliament on Tuesday rejected an amendment to the parliamentary privileges act to cut benefits for former MPs.
The bill, submitted by MNP Vice President and Vilimale MP Ahmed Usham, was rejected with the vote of 31 parliamentarians. Five MPs voted to accept the bill:
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Maduvvari MP Adam Shareef (PNC)
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Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain (Jumhooree Party)
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Thimarafushi MP Abdulla Riyaz (MNP)
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Dhangethi MP Mohamed Nazim (MNP)
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Thulusdhoo MP Ibrahim Naseem (Independent)
Usham proposed the amendment to reduce the benefits provided to former MPs, citing that his MNP believes that parliament is a place to make decisions in accordance with the sentiments of the people.
Usham proposed to remove article 8 of the act which deals with the benefits and allowances provided to former parliamentarians.
As the law currently stands:
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A member who has served one term will receive 30% of his salary; that is MVR 12,750
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A member who has served two terms will receive 45% of his salary; that is MVR 19,125
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Health insurance scheme for former MPs and their families
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Former MPs will receive an official passport
These benefits are available to former MPs over the age of 55 who are not employed in the state.
Sitting parliamentarians receive MVR 82,500 per month as salary and allowances:
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Basic salary - MVR 42,500
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Living allowance - MVR 20,000
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Committee allowance - MVR 20,000
