President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has rejected Vice Presidents Protection and Benefit Bill and sends it back to the parliament.
The bill was sent back to parliament as it contradicts the spirit of the constitution, according to Spokesperson of President's Office Ibrahim Hood. Questions were raised whether it is the best decision to provide wages and benefits to vice presidents who served for a short period of time as mentioned in the bill, Hood revealed.
The bill was passed on April 17 when the 18th parliament cycle was close to ending. The bill states every individual who have respectfully served the post of the vice president without culpability must be given a monthly allowance of USD 2,273 and should be provided with adequate protection and security by government.
Moreover, the bill passed require all former vice presidents are addressed with the post vice president as a title. In addition, the state must provide land transportation within the state expenditure and security forces if required, a diplomatic passport as well as VIP services.
Furthermore, Hood expressed the amendment to Judges Act was also rejected by President for the same reasons noting the amendment contradicts article 75 of constitution. Article 75 of constitution states parliamentarians should be guided in their actions by considerations of national interest and public welfare foremost, and should not exploit their official positions in any way for their own benefit or for the benefit of those with whom they have special relations. The article also states they shall represent not only their constituencies but the country as a whole.