Abdul Raheem Abdullah, the deputy leader of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), on Wednesday stated that he will propose a bill to increase the salary of lawmakers to MVR 150,000 if he is elected as the parliament speaker.
Lawmakers currently make MVR 62,500 per month, while MPs who attend committee meetings receive a further allowance of MVR 20,000.
Abdul Raheem, who announced his intention to run for the position earlier on Wednesday, also stated that he would appoint Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, the former Secretary General of PPM and parliamentarian for Nilandhoo, as his spokesperson during the campaign.
Meanwhile, the parliamentary group of the opposition coalition has decided to nominate Qasim Ibrahim, the founder of Jumhooree Party and MP for Maamigili, as their candidate for parliament speaker.
The nominations were made following the motion of no confidence submitted against Speaker Abdulla Maseeh, which was backed by 51 signatories on the same day.
The parliament has sent official notices to the speaker and MPs, stating that the sitting regarding the third attempt to impeach Maseeh will be held November 8.
Currently there are rumours alleging that MP Maseeh may submit his resignation prior to the sitting. However, the lawmaker is yet to make a formal statement on the matter.