Attorney General Anil Nandlall has said there have been no changes to the Former President Benefits and Other Facilities 2026 Bill, dismissing stinging opposition criticism that the legislation was designed to benefit President Dr Irfaan Ali.
Speaking on his "Issues in the News" programme on Tuesday, Nandlall said the 2026 Bill replicates the Former Presidents Benefits and Other Facilities Bill of 2009, which was repealed under the former APNU+AFC government's 2015 amendment, disrupting benefits received by past and future presidents.
"The Bill is simply a replication of the Former Presidents Benefits and Other Facilities Bill of 2009. There has been absolutely no material addition to or subtraction therefrom," he said.
Nandlall said the 2026 Bill would replace the 2015 amendment, bringing conformity and equal treatment for all former heads of state.
"The government rejects the false narrative that is being peddled that the 2026 Bill is intended only to benefit President Irfaan Ali when he demits office," he said.
He added that the bill was intended to restore dignity to the office of a former president and bring certainty and equity to its entitlements, ensuring all former holders of the office receive equal treatment.
The 2015 legislation had capped amenities that are restored under the 2026 Bill.