Parliamentarians Say Salary Falls Short of Responsibilities, Living Costs in Malé
Several Members of Parliament have voiced concerns that their salaries do not match the responsibilities they carry as elected representatives. The issue surfaced during a brief 10-minute meeting of the Parliament’s General Committee yesterday, which focused on gathering members’ input on proposed amendments to the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure. Most attending MPs used the opportunity to raise concerns about their compensation.
Alifushi MP Abdul Latheef Abdul Rahman highlighted a significant gap between the official salary figures and what MPs actually receive. While the salary is listed as MVR 100,000 or MVR 85,000, MPs receive only MVR 42,500 as basic pay. Latheef also noted that committee allowances are withheld on days MPs are absent, even when their basic salary is paid, urging the committee to consider this discrepancy.
Thimarafushi MP Ahmed Riyaz explained that the public often assumes MPs earn a substantial income. In reality, he said, many MPs face financial strain by the end of the month. The allowance provided, MVR 20,000, falls short of covering living expenses in Malé, where a three-bedroom apartment can cost around MVR 24,000 per month.
Riyaz stressed the importance of correcting public misunderstandings, saying, “The public thinks we get paid the same even if we don't attend Parliament. That’s a major misconception. It is our responsibility as MPs to clarify this.”
Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid pointed out that the basic pay of MVR 42,500 is significantly lower than the salary of government ministers. This difference, he argued, adds to the challenges faced by parliamentarians who are expected to balance public service with personal financial obligations.
Isdhoo MP Ismail Shafeeu raised concerns about the role of media coverage in shaping public opinion. He said that misrepresentation in the media often subjects MPs to unfair criticism. “I understood there would be scrutiny when I ran for office, but Parliament needs to make sure the public receives accurate information about our decisions,” he said.
The discussion reflects a shared concern among MPs that compensation and public perception need to be addressed in tandem. As Malé continues to face high living costs.