MP for Maamigili constituency Gasim Ibrahim of Jumhoori Party has said today that he does not agree with lowering the salaries of parliament members.
MP for Maamigili constituency Gasim Ibrahim of Jumhoori Party has said today that he does not agree with lowering the salaries of parliament members.
Speaking in the debate on capping the number of parliament members, Gasim said that he backs this motion.
However, he said, he does not agree that the salaries of MPs should be reduced, nor does he believe their insurance of other allowances and privileges should be decreased.
"We know that even if we say it's a [living] allowance of MVR 20,000 to people coming here from various islands of Maldives, this amount will not cover it," Gasim said.
Gasim said that MPs, unlike senior officials of other State institutions and companies, do not receive money in other ways. He said that MPs are not entitled to receive any money legitimately in any other way.
MP for North Galolhu Mohamed Ibrahim of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said that, similar to presidency, MPs also must be limited to being able to serve no more than two consecutive terms.
Gasim strongly criticized what Ibrahim proposed, saying that limiting MP terms is not practised anywhere in the world.
Baarashu MP Ibrahim Shujau of People's National Congress (PNC) also spoke against decreasing MP pay. He said that members working closely with the public would then not have 'a penny to their name'.
He, however, stated that it is illogical to continue covering insurance and other privileges after an MP's term is completed.
"I believe members' pay is low. I am saying this because I have come after serving as a member of the City Council. Once you become an MP, you will learn the responsibilities of one," he said.
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