Privileges bill defies logic: Adhaalath

Adhaalath Party has said that the parliament privileges bill defies human logic and that it is designed in a way that provides impunity to the MPs allowing them to say what they please at the general public.

Talking at DhiTV’s Khabaru thereyn Program, President of Adhaalath Party Imran Abdulla said that it is not logical or just that a members of parliament is allowed to defame people from the highest dignity to the lower general public, and even more so because any person who condemns their words are often found to be guilty.

He also said that it is unjust that the members have the power to increase their own salary and privileges, especially in a small economy such as the Maldives.

“Let us see for example, for the 5 terms of 25 years with 77 members for each term, and it is possible that the number may increase as the population increases. If they award pensions to every new member, how can this be settled? Can the State budget spend as much? How much must be spent on their families’ medical bills?” said Imran.

The “Parliament Powers and Privileges Bill” passed by the parliament last Thursday gives the parliament the power to set their own salary. The bill also entitles members to privileges after they have left their seats and thus, states that the State shall provide 30 percent of a salary to a parliament member who leaves his seat after completing one term and 45 percent of the salary to a member who has completed two terms. The bill also states that the punishment for infringing the privileges of parliament is liable by a jail sentence.