Speaker Nasheed seeks to introduce late fines for tardy parliamentarians

Speaker Mohamed Nasheed has announced deductions that are to be made from the wages of parliamentarians regarding tardiness.

During the beginning of today’s sitting, Nasheed said that he had requested the parliament’s Regulation Review Committee, to bring a small amendment to facilitate this.

The parliament working hours officially begin at 8:30, while sessions commence at 9:00.

“In my view, the time attended to work at the wages are connected. Here, I believe that parliamentarians have taken an oath to attend” Said Nasheed regarding the regulations stating agenda items and session timings.

A parliamentarian earns MVR 42,500 as a basic salary. They also receive another MVR 40,000 as allowances. This includes an MVR 20,000 living allowances and a Committee allowance of MVR 20,000. The Committee allowance is subject to MP attendance.

Due to COVID-19, wages of parliamentarians have been reduced by 30 percent. MPs now earn MVR 69,750.