“At a time when our nation is grappling with significant economic challenges, including growing national debt and budget deficits, it is imperative that we take steps to reduce unnecessary government expenses,” reads the petition, which collected nearly 600 signatures by Wednesday morning.

“Currently, in addition to their salaries, MPs receive substantial committee allowances, significantly increasing their overall earnings. Furthermore, they are entitled to a premium health insurance package far superior to the Aasandha scheme that is available to ordinary citizens. This disparity is unfair and unjustifiable, especially when the average Maldivian is struggling with rising living costs and financial instability.”

MPs currently earn a basic salary of MVR 62,000 (US$ 4,000) a month as well as a committee allowance of MVR 20,000. In addition to pay cuts, the petition demanded scrapping the allowance and premium healthcare. 

After posting a screenshot of Adhadhu’s coverage of the petition yesterday, Falah said it was “not a bad idea” but suggested that it would be unfair to impose a pay cut on sitting MPs.

“The reason is that when you enter the Majlis after spending millions of Rufiyaa and then have your salary reduced, there won't be a way to repay the debt taken for the election,” said Falah, parliamentary group leader of the People’s National Congress, which has a 75-seat supermajority in the 93-member house. 

“So when a salary of MVR 5,000 is set for members of the 21st Majlis, members who are okay with this salary and run for office won't have anything to complain about.”

He criticised the formerly ruling Maldivian Democratic Party’s aborted decision to raise MPs’ salary to MVR 100,000 last year. It would also have been fairer to have included the benefits for judges and former presidents in the petition, he added, praising President Dr Mohamed Muizzu as "exemplary" for only taking half of his salary. 

Last month, a parliamentary committee approved a request for Allied Insurance to arrange free medical treatment overseas for MPs and their family members without having to be reimbursed. 

The request was made after MPs complained about an authorisation letter from Allied Insurance to consult a specialist not covering further consultations with other doctors, for which they must pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement through a cumbersome process.

A proposal was also passed to ask Allied to introduce a special insurance card for MPs. 

Allied covers health insurance for MPs, their spouses, and children under 18 years of age in Asian countries.