Majlis passes bill that will prevent Nasheed from getting any allowance from state

People’s Majlis on Wednesday passes the bill that will prevent former President Mohamed Nasheed from getting any allowance or incentive from state.

The bill, proposed by Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed prescribes that state allowances and incentives to former presidents be cut if he/she was convicted of a crime committed during his/her term as president.

The bill was passed with the vote of 43 MPs. 23 MPs voted against the bill.

Nasheed is serving a 13-year jail sentence over the illegal arrest of Criminal Court Chief Justice Abdulla Mohamed during his administration.

The amendment prescribes that state allowance and incentives given to former presidents and their spouses be cut, if he/she is sentenced to jail for a crime he/she committed while serving as president.

MP Latheef said that he proposed the bill because anyone who served as president needed to be individuals who continue to work for the betterment of the country and its citizens. And because they needed to refrain from any criminal offense under constitution and law and needed to set an example to citizens while serving as president or afterwards.

The bill was researched and sent to Majlis for approval by a committee of seven MPs set up for the very purpose.

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) member, North Machangolhi MP Mariya Ahmed Didi said during the debate of the bill that the amendment was specifically targeted at Nasheed – to cut his state allowance and incentives.

“It is evident to us all that this law specifically targets President Mohamed Nasheed,” said Mariya.

Meanwhile, MPS affiliated with government said that the bill was not targeted at Nasheed.

“There are two other presidents. President Maumoon and President Waleed. They are not worried that their allowance and incentives may be cut,” said Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah.

MPs allied with government said that the amendment was proposed to decrease wastage of people’s money.

Opposition MPs insisted that the bill was a personal grudge against Nasheed. And said that they did not approve of it.

Nasheed has been receiving a monthly allowance of MVR 50,000, a monthly living allowance of MVR 50,000, and an annual allowance of MVR 2.1 million to run his office.