Lawmakers submit bills designed for VIP airport treatment, other privileges to ex-lawmakers

Two lawmakers have submitted amendments to the Act of Powers and Privileges of the Parliament – designed to allow greater privileges to former lawmakers.

The first reading of the two bills, submitted by Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Mustafa and Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed was held at the Parliament this Monday morning.

Abdul Latheef’s amendment calls for healthcare under the insurance scheme to spouses and children under the age of 18 years of former lawmakers. The law currently authorizes health insurance coverage to only former lawmakers, and not their family.

His second amendment calls for diplomatic passports not just to former lawmakers, but to their spouses as well.

His third amendment calls for former lawmakers to receive their monthly allowance once they leave the Parliament and annul the stipulation that they must also be 55 years of age to be eligible for the allowance.

AMENDMENT TO POWERS AND PRIVILEGES OF THE PARLIAMENT ACT

• Article 8 (g) – Every person who served as a member of the Parliament, and their spouse should receive a diplomatic passport. The cost of producing the passport must be borne by the party which applies for the passport.

Mustafa’s amendment calls for VIP service from airports to former lawmakers.

AMENDMENT TO POWERS AND PRIVILEGES OF THE PARLIAMENT ACT

• Article 8 (h) – Every person who served as a member of the Parliament should receive airport VIP service

Musthafa says he proposed the amendment (an additional clause) in order to reward former lawmakers for their service to the State by allowing them to live an honorable and distinguished life.

Lawmakers already leave multiple privileges under the Powers and Privileges of the Parliament Act.

Lawmakers who serve a minimum of one term receive a monthly allowance of 30 percent of the salary they received as a lawmaker - which comes out to minimum MVR 25,500.

Lawmakers who serve a minimum of two terms receive a monthly allowance of 45 percent of the salary they received as a lawmaker – which comes out to minimum MVR 38,250.

The law currently stipulates the allowance will come to effect once the lawmaker leaves the Parliament and comes 55 years of age.