The role of Members of Parliament (MPs) is critical in a well-functioning democracy. They are the voice of the people, entrusted with making important decisions that shape the present and future of our nation. Yet, every five years, debate surrounding their salaries, benefits, and entitlements resurfaces. And quite often, these discussions are overshadowed by criticisms. Portrayed as “greedy” leaders, MPs are often at the receiving end of public criticisms.   

At the end of the recently concluded Parliament session, a group of MPs, led by the Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of the Legislative Committee, held a press conference to address this contentious issue. They defended their stand on pool vehicles while pointing out the disproportionate perks enjoyed by ministers and senior bureaucrats. The MPs argued that their entitlements should reflect their responsibilities.

MPs are not ordinary public servants. They are elected representatives who have undergone a competitive and grueling selection process, through multiple rounds of elections. This process ensures that only the most capable and dedicated individuals are chosen to represent the people. MPs earn their positions through the trust and votes of the electorate.

There is a visible disparity in entitlements between MPs and other high-ranking officials. Even government directors enjoy luxurious offices, along with access to premium pool vehicles. As the ranks increase, so do the perks. Secretaries, heads of constitutional bodies, and justices of High Court and Supreme Court receive a “joining expense” ranging from Nu 100,000 to Nu 150,000. Ministers get as high as Nu 600,000 while the Prime Minister is entitled to Nu 1.2 million.

In contrast, two MPs share one small office space, which often lacks basic amenities. This not only undermines the dignity of their roles but also hampers their ability to perform effectively. If directors and secretaries can have state-of-the-art offices, why should MPs, who bear a greater burden of accountability, settle for less?

A decent office is not a luxury but a necessity for MPs to carry out their duties efficiently. Many government offices are underutilised, unwilling to share the resources—a result of a deeply ingrained territorial and siloed mindset within the bureaucracy. Actually, if the government wants, it can easily address this issue by optimising the use of existing infrastructure. Relocate some agencies to create space for suitable offices for MPs. Simple!

Fair compensation for MPs is essential to attract the best talent to politics. The old adage, “If we give peanuts, we will only get monkeys”, holds true. Perhaps, here’s where we could learn something from Singapore! However, the process of revising salaries and benefits must be transparent and follow due process. A Pay Commission should be instituted to evaluate and recommend salary revisions. Above all, such decisions must be guided by the financial and economic health of our nation.

One way to avoid recurring debates on MPs’ entitlements is to establish clear laws and regulations. A well-defined framework would eliminate ambiguity and ensure that MPs’ benefits are adjusted systematically. This will also remove the need to have contentious discussions every five years.

And let’s not miss the forest for the trees. Good, capable MPs will strengthen our democracy. As individuals who debate policies, pass laws, and oversee the functioning of the government, their decisions have far-reaching implications for the nation’s development. Denying them the vital resources they need is simply unfair.