Some MPs have stated they are ready to relinquish the health insurance package put into place for Parliament members but they also stated that the package is less costly for the state compared to Aasandha.
During today's Parliament sitting on the debate concerning the petition filed to Parliament in regards to cutting off MPs health insurance that has amassed 7,225 signatures, Inguraidhoo Constituency MP Ibrahim Falah said that he believes MPs are not entitled to anything Maldivian citizens do not receive. He also said the party that called for the health insurance to be cut does not know how the MPs health insurance system works.
Parliament supermajority People's National Congress (PNC) Parliamentary Group Leader Falah said that it is important to look into matters when submitting such a petition and it has to be done in such a way that the interests of citizens are not lost.
"I am always in support, today as well, of MPs not being entitled to anything Maldivian citizens do not receive. Even so, it is important to look into matters when submitting such a petition and moving forward, I believe it has to be done in such a way that the interests of citizens are not lost," said Falah.
He went on to say that providing the health insurance package for MPs outside of the Aasandha system will reduce state expenditure, and that MVR 24,000 is spent by the State per year for each MP to the insurance company.
The yearly MVR 24,000 payment for MPs allows medical treatment up to MVR 1.3 million. The Aasandha system has no set limit for medical treatment.
"The one thing those who submitted the petition should know is not a single penny beyond the MVR 24,000 for MPs needs to be spent by the Maldivian state," Falah continued.
He also said that those who submitted the petition should know how the insurance system works.
Kendhoo Constituency MP Mauroof Zakir commented on the matter as well, stating he does not request any major benefits the citizens do not receive and that no MP would request such things. However, he said that they should wonder why some citizens have expressed concern over MPs receiving that benefit.
"Nevertheless, what is happening today is that the citizens are concerned specifically about the 20th Parliament, how the Parliament has not found any solutions to the important issues the citizens need, and the Parliament has been conducting itself in a way where public trust is being lost. And how the current Parliament has given one individual the power to remove elected MPs from their seat," said Mauroof.
During the petition's debate, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem (Redwave Saleem) said in addition to the MPs health insurance package, he is ready to give up his salary and benefits and to work for free. However, he said that due to the petition that has been submitted, they need to inform the public on insurance matters.
"I have absolutely no need for insurance. The insurance can be cut, I am okay with it, I have no issue," said Saleem after heavily criticizing those who filed the petition.
While criticizing the person who filed the petition, Saleem said those who were not elected to Parliament have a lot to say on the matter but if they are elected, they act as though MPs do not get enough.
"What did the people who turned our pictures upside down say in Parliament? The salary is not enough, the other things are not enough and need to be increased," said Saleem.
He also said the state pays MVR 24,000 yearly for the MP insurance package and that it is MVR 2,000 per month. He also said this is less than the monthly amount spent on Aasandha per person.
