Wage cut proposal: MP under pressure

Manama : A Parliamentarian said he is facing pressure to withdraw a proposal to reduce MPs’ salaries and pensions.

Isa Al Kooheji has proposed to scrap legislators’ (House of Representatives and Shura Council members) wages and pay them what they “earned before joining both councils”.

“I’m only concerned about citizens’ interests,” said Isa Al Kooheji while urging the government to take a quick decision.

“What MPs receive after retirement is equal to what an ordinary citizen earns in 40 years,” pointed out Al Kooheji.

He also claimed that his proposal which would save millions of public money was welcomed by citizens.

Al Kooheji explained back then that the move would help overcome the increasing government expenses.

MPs are paid around BD2,750 a month and BD113 for every weekly session attended, according to the previous statements made by the Council’s General Secretary Abdulla Al Dossary.