The People's Majlis has approved a 20 percent deduction from the salaries of parliamentarians, judges, members of independent institutions as well as that of the president and vice-president, for the next two months.

The decision was subsequently approved after 74 members voted to pass the report compiled by the 19th Parliament Public Accounts Committee.

Main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Parliamentary Group leader and MP for Central-Henveiru constituency, Ali Azim revealed the party’s decision to seek a 20 percent deduction from salaries of parliamentarians as a cost-cutting measure in efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19. The motion was presented to the public accounts committee via Speaker Mohamed Nasheed.

After reviewing the motion, the public accounts committee recommended deducting 20% from all state representatives earning over MVR 30,000 for the months of March and April. The committee also determined to review the motion at the end of each month.

Parliamentarians get a salary of MVR 42,000 and stand to receive MVR 33,600 following the pay cut. Additionally, they receive MVR 20,000 as a living allowance and MVR 20,000 as committee allowance; the latter is paid according to attendance.