MP Usham submits bill to cancel benefits to former MPs

Legislature has been submitted to repeal the provision on Parliaments Privileges and Powers Act that compels the award of benefits to former parliamentarians.

The bill was submitted by Vilimale’ MP Ahmed Usham, a politician from Maldives National Party (MNP).

Usham said the various benefits to parliamentarians who served one or two terms far outweighed the benefits awarded to long serving state officials.

Article 8 of Parliament’s Privileges and Powers Act dictates parliamentarians who served one term are entitled to 30 percent of the salary of a parliament and parliamentarians who served two terms are entitled to 45 percent of the salary of a parliamentarian as a financial benefit.

The article states they will be entitled to the benefit after they leave the Parliament, are 55 years of age, and do not serve any state position.

The article also states former parliamentarians will be issued official passports, and will not be entitled to any other pension or financial benefit from the state if they receive the benefit.

The article states all former parliamentarians will also receive health insurance coverage, same as they received when in office.

Usham proposed all clauses of Article 8.