Fayyaz condemns Majlis salary hikes as 'big insult' as Speaker and ministers get raises

Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has condemned the parliamentary Finance Committee's decision to increase the salaries and allowances of the Speaker and Cabinet ministers, calling it a major insult to the Maldivian people. In a post on X, Fayyaz said no parliament lower than the current 20th People's Majlis had existed. He described the decision as a great insult at a time when prices in the market have risen and many people are facing severe hardship. "Is this not something that could have been left undone at a time when prices have risen and many are in difficulty?" he asked. The Finance Committee approved an additional allowance of MVR 22,000 for the Speaker of the People's Majlis. With this increase, the Speaker will receive MVR 95,000 per month in salary and allowances. The Speaker currently receives MVR 73,000, largely because he does not participate in committees. Members who attend at least 70 percent of committee meetings receive MVR 10,000, while those with attendance above 75 percent receive MVR 20,000. Under existing rules, the Deputy Speaker receives MVR 91,000 including committee allowances. The committee also increased ministers' driver allowances. Ministers currently receive MVR 58,500 per month in salary and allowances excluding the driver allowance, and MVR 66,000 including it. The previous driver allowance comprised MVR 1,000 for petrol and MVR 6,500 for driving, a total of MVR 7,500. The committee approved MVR 2,000 for petrol, MVR 12,000 for drivers' salaries and MVR 3,000 for drivers' living allowance. With the changes, government ministers will receive MVR 75,500 per month in salary and allowances.