First time MPs who failed to retain their seats at the April 2 parliamentary election have been requested to make full payment for the duty free vehicles they acquired through the parliamentary affairs ministry.

Some of them have already make the full payment, a former minister told the Sunday Island. The previous government ordered Indian built luxury vehicles under a US dollars 100 million credit line. "The MPs were able to purchase a vehicle outright by paying Rs. 500,000" he said.

He said the luckless ex-MPs were also asked to settle their other dues. "They have obtained tyres, typewriters, photo copy and fax machines. We used to deduct payments from their monthly salary but they are no longer MPs," he said.

They also lost their right for pull pension rights as MPs have to complete the full five-year term to be eligible for the privilege. (SF)