Today we are witnessing a government that is afraid to relinquish power and govern country through a decentralized system: Shamheed
18 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 08:51Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumalé constituency, has accused the government of attempting to undermine the decentralization system and obstruct the revenue streams of local councils. Highlighting that the bill concerning the lease of uninhabited islands and lagoons is a strategic move to centralize power, Shamheed asserted that the current administration is hesitant to relinquish control to local authorities.
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumalé constituency. | People's Majlis
The current administration is apprehensive about devolving powers under the decentralization system, and its primary objective has become obstructing councils from generating revenue, stated Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumalé constituency.
Speaking at Tuesday's Committee of the Whole House meeting, Dr. Shamheed stated that the current administration appears hesitant to relinquish power or embrace a decentralized governance model.
He stated that the government currently appears to be intimidated by the possibility of councils generating their own revenue or profits to fund local social development projects. Dr. Shamheed further noted that obstructing councils from attaining financial independence has become a primary objective of the current administration.
What we are witnessing today is a government that is terrified of relinquishing power or decentralizing the country's administration. It is evident that the administration fears that if councils generate their own income or profit, they might independently undertake social development projects within their islands. The ultimate objective of this government is to obstruct and halt the flow of revenue to local councils.Dr. Ahmed Shamheed
Citing Veyvah as an example, Dr. Shamheed stated that tourism products capable of generating millions in revenue had already been identified for the small island. However, he noted that the current administration halted these initiatives upon taking office.
Consequently, Dr. Shamheed stated that the government's objective is to centralize all power and obstruct the revenue streams available to local councils.
He stated that the bill outlining the regulations for leasing and contracting uninhabited islands and lagoons for various purposes is yet another piece of legislation proposed to seize powers from local councils and vest them back in the central government.
In his remarks, Dr. Shamheed highlighted that the current administration is working to weaken the decentralization system rather than empowering it. He reiterated that the government is actively obstructing opportunities that would provide councils with financial stability and independence.
