MPs yesterday criticized the media for highlighting a move to restore lifetime pensions to elected officials despite being shot down.
Mohammed al-Rifai MP accused media outlets of deliberately highlighting the move as if MPs were actually considering it, even though it had been voted down.
He was supported by Services Committee Chairman Mohammed al-Hussaini, who said the move was futile and was killed by parliamentarians.
Mariam Al Sayegh sparked controversy on social media last week with her comments about reinstating the pension law.
But she clarified yesterday that she had voted against the move and that she was only asking MPs to accept voluntary contributions so their years of service would be counted as years of service. .
Of the 31 MPs present in Parliament during last week’s session, 26 voted against reinstating the 2009 Parliament, Shura Council and Municipal Members Pensions Act, four abstained, and Jalal Kadhim. only supported the proposal.
Under the rejected bill, public representatives would have the same right to annual increases in their pensions as other representatives of the civilian, government and military sectors.
The bill also called for the removal of the 4,000 BD monthly cap on pensions.
A bill to overhaul pension packages and reduce benefits for elected officials was approved by the then parliament and the Shura Council in October 2018.
Prior to that, in addition to the regular state pension, members of parliament received a lifetime pension equal to 50 percent of their monthly salary if they served a four-year term, 80 percent if they served two terms, and 90 percent if they served three or more terms. I was eligible to receive a pension.
Currently, they are eligible for a one-month bonus for each year of service during their four-year term.
The 2018 rules regarding public offices do not apply to persons who held such offices before the measure was adopted. In other words, only those who have held public office since 2018 will be affected.
As a result, long-term legislators elected before and after this rule will continue to receive pensions along with their bonuses, so they will fall into both categories.
Based on a decree issued by His Majesty King Hamad last year, people’s representatives who lose their seats are allowed to return to their previous jobs at an equivalent or higher level.
Separately, Second Vice-Chairman Ahmed Kalata called on the government to expand the alternative sentencing program to cover more beneficiaries.
Others supported him, saying it would bring joy and happiness to the family just as the breadwinner serving in prison would bring joy and happiness to the family.
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