Parliament has approved a resolution today advising that salaries of independent institutions, the judiciary, and Members of Parliament cannot be reduced at this time.

This was in response to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's request for Parliament's counsel regarding proposed salary cuts as part of the Government's cost-cutting measures.

The resolution passed with 44 votes in favour, following the recommendation of the Public Accounts Committee, which studied the matter.

The President had sought Parliament's approval to reduce the basic salary by 10 percent for senior officials of independent institutions who earn more than MVR 12,000 as basic salary.

Additionally, the President requested Parliament's opinion on whether to implement a 10 percent salary reduction for senior judiciary officials and Members of Parliament.

The Parliament's Finance Committee concluded that salaries cannot be reduced at this time for two main reasons: changes to most independent and autonomous institutions' salaries require amendments to existing legislation, and it would be inequitable to only reduce salaries of institutions where changes can be made without legal amendments.

Hence, the committee recommended advising the President that salary reductions cannot be implemented at this time.