Maldives MP Maumoon Zakir files urgent motion over salary hikes for Speaker and ministers

Kendhoo constituency MP Maumoon Zakir has filed an urgent motion in the People's Majlis today, expressing deep concern over the decision to increase the salaries and allowances of the Speaker of Parliament and Cabinet ministers. In his motion, Zakir argued that the pay rise is unjust to the Maldivian people at a time when health and education workers have not been given adequate wages and numerous concerns remain regarding pay harmonisation. He stated that the decision to increase the salaries of top state officials, while the government has already imposed many austerity measures on the public under the pretext of reducing state expenditure, is unacceptable to the Maldivian people. Zakir also highlighted that a resolution submitted to Parliament on June 16, 2025 concerning overtime payment rules for education and health workers has still not been finalised by the joint committee. He noted that the salary increase will raise state spending, and pointed out that the Finance Ministry has instructed the PCB to reduce staff numbers in state-owned companies by 33 percent to cut operational costs, making the current decision inconsistent. Furthermore, he mentioned that the state has overspent by 4.5 billion rufiyaa more than its revenue so far this year, causing debt to rise. Citing Article 70(ş) 3 of the Constitution, Zakir said it is the Majlis's constitutional duty to oversee the actions of the executive and hold it accountable, and that debating this matter is important to bring it to the government's attention.