Subscription Form

Previously held sitting of the parliament's decentralization committee - Photo: Majlis

MALÉ: The Committee on Decentralisation in the People’s Majlis has voted to complete its review of the controversial Decentralisation Act amendment bill within five days, fast-tracking legislation that enables the Cabinet to reclaim land under local council jurisdiction.

The proposal to rush the committee timeline was introduced by ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) MP Ibrahim Didi (Kolamaafushi) and endorsed by PNC MP Hassan Waheed (Vilufulhi). The motion passed with the support of six PNC committee members.

Schedule that approves is:

• Public Consultation Window: Open for public complaints and feedback for just two days, closing on Thursday afternoon at 2:00 PM.
• Final Committee Deadline: Set for Sunday at 12:00 PM to finalize the committee report.

PNC Members Voting for Fast-Track Schedule:

1. Ibrahim Didi (Kolamaafushi)
2. Hassan Waheed (Vilufulhi)
3. Ahmed Aslam (Bilehdhoo)
4. Fathimath Sauda (Nilandhoo)
5. Ahmed Aifan (Henveiru Uthuru)
6. Ibrahim Shifaz (Ungoofaaru)

Opposition MDP MP Mohamed Niushad (Keyodhoo), supported by another MDP MP Abdulla Sodiq (Hithadhoo Uthuru) and an independent MP Abdul Rahman (Addu Meedhoo), proposed extending the deadline to September 30 to allow formal consultations with the Local Government Authority (LGA), local council associations, and political parties. The motion was defeated by the PNC majority.

Political Background and E-Petition Drive

The bill was introduced by independent Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, who regularly sponsors legislation aligned with central government policy.

The expedited committee schedule follows the launch of a public e-petition on the official parliamentary portal calling for the bill’s withdrawal. The petition has already crossed 1,200 signatures, well past the 840-signature threshold that legally obligates the Speaker to refer the matter to government authorities, and is approaching the 2,100-signature mark required to trigger a mandatory floor debate.

Opposition figures note that the legislative effort to curb local council authority follows the April local elections, in which the opposition MDP won majorities across all city councils and primary urban hubs.