There are no "Malé citizens," only Maldivian citizens: MP Ziyad
During the debate on the amendment to the Civil Registration Act, Vaikaradhoo MP Ziyad called for the removal of the five-year residency requirement for changing administrative registration to provide greater convenience for citizens. He emphasized that since the Constitution is founded upon the rights of all Maldivians, opportunities must be facilitated equitably across all regions rather than favoring specific areas. The Member further noted the importance of modernizing this long-standing legislation to reflect contemporary needs.
Member of Parliament for the Vaikaradhoo constituency, Hussain Ziyad, addresses a session of the People's Majlis. | People's Majlis
Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad has stated that there are no "citizens of Malé," but rather only Maldivian citizens.
Debating the bill to amend the Citizenship Act, introduced by MDP Member for North Galolhu Mohamed Ibrahim, MP Ziyad stated that the law requires revision and that the current five-year residency requirement for transferring registration should be abolished.
Noting that a significant amount of time has passed since the enactment of this law, MP Ziyad emphasized the necessity of introducing amendments to facilitate easier processes for the public.
This law has been in effect for approximately 50 years. I believe the honorable member’s intention in submitting this amendment is to remove the current five-year requirement and facilitate a more immediate process. However, I must note that the five-year period is already discretionary; it is an option available to the island's leadership or relevant authorities. Even under the current framework, changes can be implemented on a day-to-day basis. Therefore, if we agree with such a straightforward amendment that offers a simple resolution, we should proceed with it. If there is a desire to extend the five-year period, that can be done as well. I see no reason to leave a law enacted in 1978 without the necessary modern updates.Hussain Ziyad, the Member of Parliament for the Vaikaradhoo constituency.
Furthermore, MP Ziyad stated that there should be no distinction such as "citizens of Malé," as everyone is simply a Maldivian citizen. He added that the Constitution was also drafted to apply equally to all citizens.
"Honorable Speaker, there is no such thing as a citizen of Laamu Fonadhoo, Vaikaradhoo, Kulhudhuffushi, or Malé. That is the crux of the issue. The Maldivian Constitution is written for all Maldivians equally. Therefore, the concept of a 'Malé citizen' does not exist. This label is being sold for other purposes—claiming things are being done specifically for the people of Malé. Honorable Speaker, there are no 'Malé citizens'; there are only Maldivian citizens. However, it is true that certain policies currently reflect this divide. For instance, when land was recently distributed in Malé, I was ineligible. As a proud native of the islands, I did not receive any."Hussain Ziyad, the Member of Parliament for the Vaikaradhoo constituency.
MP Ziyad stated that while local councils establish their own regulations, they must ensure that opportunities are provided to all Maldivian citizens on an equal basis whenever such openings are available.
