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The People’s Majlis has approved salary adjustments for its Speaker and the Chief Justice, with the Speaker’s monthly pay set to rise to approximately MVR 95,125.
Mariyam Adheela
People’s Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla (left) and Chief Justice Uz. Abdul Ghanee Mohamed (right)
MALE’, Maldives: The People’s Majlis has approved increases to the salaries of Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla and Chief Justice, voting in favour of proposals reviewed by the Parliament’s Finance Committee.
The proposal to increase the Speaker’s salary received 42 votes in favour and 12 against, out of 54 members who voted. The Chief Justice’s salary adjustment was approved by 40 votes, with 12 members voting against, out of 52 participants.
The Speaker currently receives MVR 73,125 per month. Under the approved proposal, an additional MVR 22,000 allowance will raise the monthly total to MVR 95,125.
The Finance Committee said the difference between the Speaker’s salary and that of the Deputy Speaker is linked to committee attendance allowances. Members receive MVR 10,000 for attending between 50 and 75 per cent of committee meetings, and MVR 20,000 for attendance exceeding 75 per cent.
The Deputy Speaker currently receives MVR 91,000 per month, while ordinary members of Parliament receive MVR 82,500.
The proposal concerning the Chief Justice was put forward by Fonadhoo constituency MP Mohamed Mamdooh Yoosuf of the PNC during a Finance Committee meeting. He said the adjustment would help bring the Chief Justice’s remuneration closer to that of the Speaker.
The proposal includes reviewing the Chief Justice’s existing benefits and adding a special allowance of MVR 4,125.
The salary changes have drawn criticism towards the government.
