The letters granted to staff in Parliament, informing them of increments to their salaries, had been revoked.

RaajjeMV understands the letters were revoked by Parliament secretariat as they were unable to increase the salaries as pledged.

Parliament Speaker Abdullah Maseeh had passed to increase salaries but Finance Ministry had refused to authorize the decision. Parliament passed to increase salaries by between MVR 1,000 – MVR 5,000.

RaajjeMV understands that Speaker Maseeh had passed to give promotions and with it, salary increments for 131 staff back in September. Finance Ministry had informed shortly afterwards that no increments can be granted and to keep paying the same salary as before.

The salary increases came at a time when the opposition had entered a no confidence motion on Parliament Speaker Abdullah Maseeh. The vote on the motion is yet to be taken, even though sessions had continued. The sessions had continued under heavy security measures.

Opposition members also allege that the Speaker table is undergoing heavy renovation. MP for South-Galolhu constituency, Ahmed Mahloof sent out a tweet on Saturday night, with photos, noting that "MNDF has started work to build a 10-foot-high platform inside the parliament chamber, instead of a glass box, on Saturday".

Parliament Secretariat had refused to comment on the matter.