Majlis passes motion advising Pres. against salary cuts

The People’s Majlis has passed a motion advising President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu that salaries of senior officials in independent institutions, as well as the judiciary and parliament, should not be reduced.

The motion was passed at Monday's parliamentary sitting as approved by the Public Accounts Committee without any additional amendments.

The Public Accounts Committee’s report was passed unanimously by 44 lawmakers representing the ruling party People’s National Congress (PNC) who were present in the parliament at the time.

Opposition members representing Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) did not participate in the vote.

Reducing the salaries of senior officials in independent institutions, as well as those in the parliament and judiciary, is part of the government's financial reform agenda.

Under the agenda, said measures have been decided to be implemented for a period of two years. President Muizzu had earlier stated that these changes would be introduced with the state budget for 2025.

However, the amendment to reduce salaries was submitted to the parliament during February 2025.

In relation to the matter submitted to the parliament, it has been proposed to deduct 10 percent from the salaries of Members of Parliament, 10 percent from the salaries of senior judiciary officials, and a basic salary of MVR 12,000 for heads of independent institutions.

However, noting that this cannot be done without amending the law, the report compiled by the Public Accounts Committee after analyzing the matter stated that making such changes would not be fair. Therefore, the committee has passed that it does not recommend making changes to the salary at this time.