MP Ameen: Government defied people’s will today, showing its determination to wield power

Member of Parliament for the Kanditheemu constituency, Ameen Faisal, has stated that today marks a historic day where the government has demonstrated its audacity and willingness to defy the will of the people and flaunt its power.

Debating a petition calling for the withdrawal of proposed amendments to the Decentralization Act, MP Ameen stated that despite attempts to deceive and spread falsehoods, the current petition submitted to Parliament was orchestrated with the involvement of the PNC specifically to challenge an earlier petition.

We are currently debating a petition that involves the direct participation of the PNC. Regardless of the extent of the lies and attempts to mislead, the Maldivian people are well aware that the petition submitted today is merely a display of power, intended to challenge and undermine the initial petition.

Ameen Faisal

Member of Parliament Ameen noted that the dignity, honor, and public trust in the Parliament are being eroded due to the exploitation of the majority mandate granted by the Maldivian people. He further stated that the public would not believe that amending the law to suppress a petition submitted to Parliament with citizens' signatures was done in good faith.

Member Ameen stated that surveys and research conducted by the Maldives National University (MNU) demonstrate that the public must have a say in matters that directly affect them.

MP Ameen stated that despite the amendments to the Decentralization Act, there are still islands where housing units have yet to be handed over to the residents, along with several islands where land designated for tourism zones remains unallocated. Furthermore, the MP noted that while various island councils have provided land to the government for development projects, many of these initiatives have failed to progress.

Surveys and research conducted by the Maldives National University (MNU) on the evolution of the decentralization system to date indicate that citizens believe they must have a voice in matters that directly affect them. However, recent amendments to the Decentralization Act have resulted in significant setbacks. Despite official announcements, land allocation remains stalled in several islands. Furthermore, land designated for tourism zones remains unallocated, even in cases where projects have been announced and bids have already been submitted.

Ameen Faisal

MP Ameen stated that the e-petition law was drafted specifically to accommodate the members of the PNC, which currently holds the majority in Parliament.

On August 18, 2026, Parliament approved an amendment to its standing orders to allow the submission of multiple petitions regarding a single issue.