Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has voiced his concern over the poor attendance of his fellow parliamentarians.
The 19th People's Majlis has 87 MPs but only 25 or 30 MPs regularly attend the parliament sessions. While many remain on medical leave, few others give no reason for their continued absence.
Many among the public have criticized the MPs over their poor attendance on several occasions.
Speaker at today's session, Speaker Nasheed said that only 22 MPs attended the session and that some of them had entered the chambers after the bell was rung.
Nasheed noted that each MP is given a hefty salary along with a committee allowance issued for each parliamentarian. He added that the MPs take home a staggering MVR 80,000 and that the MPs were elected to represent the public in the parliament.
Nasheed further said that it was disheartening to see the MPs not attend the sessions regularly.
