Finance Committee Approves Salary Increases for Speaker and Ministers

The People's Majlis Finance Committee has approved an increase in the salary and allowances of the Speaker of Parliament, bringing the total monthly compensation to MVR 95,000. Additionally, the committee approved a MVR 17,000 increase in the allowances for government ministers. The proposal was submitted by Funadhoo constituency MP Mohamed Mamdhooh and seconded by Fuvahmulah North MP Hamad Abdulla. The committee voted in favour with the support of PNC members, while two MDP members did not support the move. Under the approved changes, the Speaker – currently receiving MVR 73,000 per month which includes salary and allowances – will receive an additional allowance of MVR 22,000, bringing the total to MVR 95,000. For ministers, the committee approved an increase in the driver’s allowance from the current MVR 7,500 (which includes MVR 1,000 petrol allowance and MVR 6,500 driver allowance) to MVR 17,000 (comprising MVR 2,000 petrol allowance, MVR 12,000 driver salary and MVR 3,000 driver living allowance). Including the increase, ministers will receive a total of MVR 75,500 per month. Hanimaadhoo constituency MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa spoke against the decision, stating: 'I cannot support any of these changes at this time, considering the situation of the country and the world. These will bring many implications to the state budget.' The decisions of the Finance Committee will be submitted to the full Parliament for debate and a floor vote before they can be enacted.