After accusing journalists of inaccurate reporting, MPs hold closed-door meeting with Allied on insurance concerns

The General Purpose Committee’s meeting with Allied Insurance Company, the provider of the MPs’ insurance scheme, was held behind closed doors on Monday, after members accused journalists of inaccurately reporting last week’s discussions.

Opening the meeting, Committee Chair and Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid said media coverage of Tuesday’s session had misrepresented the concerns raised by members. He said MPs had discussed delays and constraints faced when seeking treatment under the insurance scheme, both locally and overseas.

“We talked about the constraints of the insurances we have, such as delays members face when they go to hospitals and other issues,” Shahid said.

PNC MP Ibrahim Didi (IB) of Feydhoo South Constituency said news outlets had “botched” their reporting of the committee’s statements, and proposed that Monday’s meeting be held in secret. His motion was supported by Holhudhoo MP Abdul Sattar Mohamed (Sato) and unanimously passed by the members present. The committee then proceeded with a closed session lasting one hour.

The committee met with Allied because MPs have raised concerns about the adequacy of their insurance coverage, despite parliamentarians being among the highest‑paid individuals in the country, with multiple allowances. Mentioning this context in media reports is believed to be one reason committee members accused journalists of false reporting.

Public criticism of the 20th Parliament has been persistent, with many noting that sittings and committee meetings are frequently cancelled despite the high salaries and allowances provided to MPs.