MPs Express Concerns Over Salaries Amid Calls for Review
General Purpose Committee. | Photo: People’s majlis
During Tuesday’s General Committee meeting in Parliament, several members voiced concerns that their current salaries do not adequately reflect the responsibilities of their roles or the rising cost of living.
Abdul Latheef Abdul Rahman, MP for Alifushi, clarified that while many believe MPs earn between MVR 85,000 and 100,000, the actual basic salary is MVR 42,500. He also pointed out that MPs do not receive allowances for days they are absent, which reduces their overall earnings.
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Ahmed Riyaz, MP for Thimarafushi, highlighted the high cost of living in the Greater Malé area, explaining that MPs receive a living allowance of MVR 20,000 despite rent for a three-room apartment reaching MVR 24,000, meaning MPs often cover the shortfall from their own pockets.
Ameen Faisal, Kanditheem MP and member of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), called for changes to the current regulations. He urged leaders from both the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) and the MDP, along with the Majlis speaker, to hold discussions and reach an agreement.
Holhudhoo MP Abdul Sattar Mohamed suggested the committee consult the speaker as well as majority and minority leaders before deciding on further action, a proposal supported by other committee members.
No formal decision was made at the meeting, but the committee chair said the matter would be revisited in the next session.
In 2023, the Parliament’s Finance Committee proposed raising salaries for MPs, the President, Vice President, ministers, and members of independent institutions during a constitutional review under Article 102. However, public backlash led to the removal of salary hikes for the President, Vice President, ministers, and MPs from the final report. Salary increases were only approved for councilors, judges, and heads and members of independent institutions.
Although the Finance Committee initially approved raising MPs’ salaries to MVR 100,000, this was later omitted from the parliamentary report. Currently, MPs receive a basic salary of MVR 42,500, a living allowance of MVR 20,000, and a committee allowance of MVR 20,000 per month.
