Ex-President Nasheed: MPs must focus on public service, not building resorts

The Parliament is not an institution you join for personal enrichment, and lawmakers must leave behind the approach of building a huge business or guesthouse the day after they join the Parliament, says former Maldivian President and Leader of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Mohamed Nasheed.

Speaking during a MDP Primary event this Monday, Nasheed said the purpose of lawmakers was to draft legislature and serve the public.

“It’s my heartfelt request you don’t attempt to build a resort the day after you join the Parliament. Don’t attempt to build a guesthouse. And don’t attempt to engage in any other type of business,” said Nasheed.

Nasheed stressed that lawmakers are generously remunerated for their service. And asked that lawmakers and candidates opt for another field of work with the generous salary and allowances of the lawmaker is insufficient.

A lawmaker receives MVR 85,000 per month along with salary and allowances.

Nasheed also said that lawmakers also should not find it necessary to send their children abroad for studies to UK just because of their elevated status.

“It’s very desirable to live the normal live you had been living before joining the Parliament. The people elect you to the Parliament to serve them. Not to have you go your own work,” said Nasheed, who is running in the MDP Primary for the Central Machangolhi seat of the Parliament.

He said that the MDP wished to redefine the qualities each lawmaker needed to possess. And vowed the party would work to ensure the next generation of lawmakers are respectable.

“I too, will be a part of the next Parliament, In Sha Allah. I am able to identify thievery. I am able to identify sale of votes. I am able to identify when someone if attempting to switch parties. And I am more than capable of stopping such action,” said Nasheed.

The MDP Primary is scheduled for January 18. And the Parliamentary Elections is scheduled for April 6.