'Already low', MPs nip pay cut notion in the bud

Many Members of Parliament have said that they do not favour a reduction in their salaries, and voiced that their salary is already not enough.

Some MPs who debated the resolution moved by Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau on Tuesday to find a solution to the increase in the number of MPs every five years said that MPs work very hard and bear a lot of responsibility. Therefore, reducing their salaries is not the best idea.

An MP receives MVR 85,000 per month as salary and allowances.

Speaking in Tuesday's debate, Shujau said he too believes the salaries of members are still low.

"When you come to the Parliament, you will know what the responsibilities of the Parliament are. A member who serves the people closely will not have a penny," he said.

"Honourable Speaker, I am saying that the salary is low... It does not make sense for us to decide the salary of the parliament members among ourselves. But what I am saying is that we have to bring a stable rule for salaries and allowances, that the people will accept too”.

Renowned resort tycoon and one of the most wealthiest in Maldives, Mamingili MP Gasim Ibrahim also conferred that the salaries and allowances of MPs should not be reduced. He said members are not allowed to earn income in any other way.

"Members of Parliament are not entitled to money in any other way. They are not entitled to money like all other ministries and other companies and their owners and employees," Gasim explained.

“MPs are not allowed to earn a single legit penny in any other form.The respected members of parliament are not entitled to money and income possibilities as the ministries that do all other functions of the state and other companies and their owners and employees are,' he said.

Mafannu North MP Mohammed Nazim said the current salaries and allowances are the most appropriate levels with the inflation so high. Salaries should also be increased as inflation rises, he said.

In addition, many members who participated in Tuesday's debate spoke against the reduction of members' salaries.