Democrats issue first-ever three-line ‘red whip’ to reject salary increment

Parliament’s minority party, The Democrats, has issued its first three-line red whip on Wednesday to reject the salary increment approved for top government officials by the parliament’s Public Accounts Committee.

In a statement on Wednesday, The Democrats, registered as a political party in July, described the committee members’ decision to approve the salary increment while being well aware of the low economic condition that remains unresolved.

While the Committee’s report approving the salary increment has been forwarded to the floor – The Democrats called to send the report back to the committee.

The statement also underscored that the party has always been advocative regarding limiting the extensive nature of the composition of the government and also limiting the number of parliamentary members while ensuring the representation for all citizens.

The party also called on the parliament and the Public Accounts Committee – both dominated by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) – to be more responsible when making decisions.

There are 13 members of The Democrats in the parliament of which two members are also in the Public Accounts Committee.

The Public Accounts Committee comprises of 16 members of which 10 members represent MDP.  

Following the Committee’s decision – President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said he had not requested for such a change, adding if the increment comes into force, the amount by which his salary is increased, will be donated to social funds.