A legal proposal has been tabled in Parliament whereby the President and Prime Minister, would enjoy state protection only during their terms in office, which would effectively strip the former office holders of this benefit.

MP Lilian Carp (PAS), the sponsor of the draft law, said an analysis carried out for this purpose found no plausible reasons to show that former dignitaries are exposed to threats which would undermine their personal security and freedom of action.  

Carp, who chairs the Committee on National Security and Public Order, added the measure will also help save public money.

During the term of office of the President, Speaker and Prime Minister, protection is also granted to family members, in particular to spouses and children. Additionally, the President may offer state protection to other dignitaries or members of their families as well, if there is an immediate threat or if there is information of an attempt being organized on their life, physical integrity, or freedom of action.

Beneficiaries may refuse the granted state protection or bodyguards, except in cases of a state of emergency, siege or war, or of another extraordinary threat.