President Muizzu holds undisputed title of championing the weakening of the decentralization system; there is no question about it: Ali Niyaz
27 ޖުލައި 2026 | ހޯމަ 10:19Former Member of Parliament Ali Niyaz has strongly criticized President Muizzu, asserting that claiming to be a champion of decentralization after systematically weakening the system is not progress. Niyaz further contended that the administration's legislative amendments to curtail council powers represent a direct seizure of authority from the people, signaling that the current government does not truly believe in the decentralized system.
Ali Niyaz, the former Member of Parliament for the Hulhumalé constituency and Chairperson of the 19th Parliament's Decentralization Committee, speaks during RaajjeTV's special Independence Day coverage titled. | RaajjeMV
Ali Niyaz, the former Member of Parliament for the Hulhumale constituency and Chair of the 19th Parliament's Decentralization Committee, has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu holds the "championship" for weakening the country's decentralized system of governance.
Speaking during RaajjeTV’s special Independence Day coverage titled "From Independence to Subjugation," Niyaz severely criticized President Muizzu’s claim that he would be the champion of the decentralization system.
Niyaz stated that sidelining and weakening the decentralization system to claim victory does not constitute progress for the system.
Niyaz stated that the current parliamentary majority and state powers are being leveraged to significantly undermine the decentralization system.
In this regard, he highlighted the recent amendments to the Decentralization Act, which include the dissolution of atoll councils, a reduction in the number of councilors, and provisions that effectively halt council operations during the final months of their term. Niyaz further asserted that these changes are by no means reflective of a commitment to championing the decentralization system.
To become a champion, one must first compete. In my view, they are becoming champions only by defeating the decentralization system itself. They push the system aside, compete against it, and render it non-functional; once they have defeated it, they may claim the title of champion. However, the changes they have introduced are by no means the kind that would allow them to be called champions of this system.Ali Niyaz
Niyaz stated that no political party other than the MDP accepts this system, nor do they wish to implement such a policy. He further noted that their rhetoric regarding the strengthening of the decentralized system and the empowerment of citizens is merely a tactic to gain public support for the purpose of coming to power.
