Maldives MP Meehaal Slams PNC, Calls Parliament 'Desk of President's Office' with 'Puppet and Hired Members'

A heated debate erupted in the People's Majlis on Monday over a public petition seeking to cut lawmakers’ expensive health insurance and special benefits. Speaking during the debate, opposition MP Meehaal Ahmed Naseem launched a scathing attack on the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), describing the current parliament as a “small desk of the President’s Office” and referring to government MPs as “puppets” (botun) and “hired members” (kulee memberun). Meehaal, representing the Galolhu Dhekunu constituency, said the public’s frustration with MP salaries and allowances stems from the poor performance of the 20th Parliament. He accused the government of using its supermajority to silence the minority by changing parliamentary rules, including an amendment pushed by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan that would allow voting on resolutions without debate. The chair repeatedly tried to stop Meehaal, warning that his language was out of order. But Meehaal insisted he had the right to express opinions on members’ conduct, adding that the Constitution is not PNC’s internal rules and the Majlis is not a PNC senate or house meeting. Other MPs also voiced concerns. Kendhoo MP Maaroof Zakhir said the disparity in benefits – such as special pensions and insurance unavailable to ordinary citizens – fuels public anger. He noted that while the average monthly salary in the Maldives is around MVR 9,000, MPs receive far more. Maaroof also pointed to the constitutional amendment that forces MPs to lose their seats if they leave their party. Hulhumale Dhekunu MP Ahmed Shamheed argued that the public’s discontent lies in the vast inequality within the state, comparing the benefits given to MPs with those unavailable to hardworking nurses and teachers. The debate follows a petition submitted by the public demanding the removal of MPs’ health insurance and other privileges, which the government’s parliamentary leader Ibrahim Falah called an attempt to create discord.