As a citizen of Maldives, I feel deeply embarrassed by the current state of our parliament. It's disheartening to see parliamentary members earning an average monthly salary of 90k+, a figure that equals to what an educated citizen makes in a year.This is not just about the money; it's about the integrity and respectability of our nation.

The situation is further aggravated by the presence of uneducated members within these ranks who are making decisions on behalf of us all and making a complete joke out of us all. Their lack of qualifications undermines their ability to make informed decisions for our country, which can lead to detrimental consequences for us all. Moreover it encourages these members to sit at the parliament regardless of doing anything for the people just for the salary benefits. 

According to data from Transparency International, Maldives ranks 130 out of 180 countries in terms corruption index (Transparency International, 2020). This alarming ranking reflects poorly on our governance system and calls for immediate reform.

We propose two main changes: firstly, reducing parliamentary salaries to reflect more accurately the national average income; secondly, implementing stricter educational requirements for parliamentary membership. These reforms will ensure that those who represent us are not only qualified but also understand and empathize with the struggles faced by ordinary citizens.

The Public Account Committee of the parliament has endorsed a salary increment for parliamentarians, settling their monthly earnings at MVR 100,000, inclusive of a committee allowance. While the average Maldivian struggles to make ends meet, these members are taking MVR 100,000 a month!

This petition isn't just personal—it represents a collective call from concerned citizens across Maldives demanding better representation and fairer remuneration within our parliament. We urge you to sign this petition so together we can bring about necessary change.