Faisal Naseem: Raising Salaries, Adding Posts Not a Priority Now

Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has said that increasing salaries and creating more positions is not a priority at a time when state expenditure needs to be reduced. His comments come after the People's Majlis Finance Committee on Wednesday approved a salary of MVR 95,000 for the Speaker of Parliament, MVR 17,000 as a car allowance for ministers, and an increase of MVR 5,000 in councilors' allowances. In a post on X, Faisal said it was unacceptable to decide on additional spending and introduce changes that would further increase recurrent expenditure without regard for the country's economic situation. He said priority should be given to moving out of debt, guaranteeing citizens' fundamental rights, continuing assistance to Maldivian students studying abroad without interruption, and ensuring social protection provided through Asandha and Anspa is delivered fairly. He also said a solution must be found to the difficulties facing businessmen in purchasing goods. Faisal said that after ordinary employees had been removed from jobs in companies in the name of cutting expenditure, increasing the money received by political leaders and adding political posts was not something to prioritise at this time. He noted that even if the Finance Committee decision reaches a parliament vote, the sensitive issues he raised remain unresolved, and he urged lawmakers to respect the feelings of the people and not pass it.