Proposed bill to reclaim council lands is a politically motivated move to re-centralize power under government ministries: Hoarafushi Council
18 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 14:54The Hoarafushi Island Council has called on Parliament to reject the government's proposed amendment to the Decentralization Act, characterizing it as an attempt to undermine the authority of local councils. Emphasizing their continued cooperation with national development projects, the council’s stance is backed by a formal petition submitted to Parliament featuring over 2,000 signatures demanding the immediate withdrawal of the bill.
Member of Parliament for the Thulhaadhoo constituency, Abdul Hannaan Aboobakuru, has proposed an amendment to the Decentralization Act to grant the Cabinet the authority to remove land and properties currently under the jurisdiction of local councils. | Presidents Office
The Hoarafushi Council has characterized a government-sponsored bill to amend the Decentralization Act as a politically motivated move to curtail public empowerment and re-centralize authority under government ministries. The bill was introduced to Parliament by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru.
The Hoarafushi Council has issued a press statement calling for the rejection of the 19th amendment bill to the Decentralization Act currently before Parliament. The council asserted that while the government claims the bill aims to ensure legal cooperation from local councils to expedite development projects, this is merely a pretext to undermine the authority of councils and incite public discord and animosity.
The statement noted that the council has allocated land for every development project planned by the government in Hoarafushi and has consistently extended its full cooperation. The Hoarafushi Council further expressed concern over the delays in commencing these scheduled projects, adding that they have formally requested the relevant authorities to expedite the implementation process.
Furthermore, the Hoarafushi Council has called upon members of the People’s Majlis to reject the proposed bill, asserting that it undermines the authority of local councils. The council noted that the legislation contradicts President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledges to strengthen and empower the decentralization system.
Several additional councils have issued statements calling for the rejection of the amendment to the Decentralization Act proposed by Thulhaadhoo MP Hannan. Furthermore, an e-petition signed by over 2,140 individuals has been submitted to the People's Majlis, demanding the withdrawal of the bill.
