Speaker's Salary to Rise to MVR 95,000 as Majlis Finance Committee Approves Pay Hikes

The Finance Committee of the People's Majlis has approved a salary increase for the Speaker of Parliament to MVR 95,000, along with higher allowances for ministers and councilors. The proposal, submitted by Kelaa constituency MP Abdullah Sharif of the ruling PNC and seconded by Funadhoo constituency MP Mohammed Mamdhooh, was passed during a meeting on Wednesday. The committee's administrative table noted that the Speaker's current salary of MVR 73,125 was lower than the Deputy Speaker's MVR 91,000 and members' MVR 82,500 (including committee allowance). To address the disparity, a MVR 22,000 allowance was proposed, bringing the Speaker's total to MVR 95,125. Additionally, a MVR 5,000 service allowance for island council presidents, vice presidents, and councilors was approved, raising their salaries to MVR 30,500, MVR 25,000, and MVR 23,000 respectively. Ministers' car allowance package was revised to MVR 17,000, comprising petrol allowance (MVR 2,000), driving allowance (MVR 12,000), and driver living allowance (MVR 3,000). Hanimaadhoo constituency MP Abdul Gafoor Moosa of the opposition MDP opposed the increases, arguing they were inappropriate given the current economic situation and would have significant implications for the state budget. However, the committee, dominated by the PNC majority, passed the proposal.