Committee concludes review of controversial land bill, ignoring petition calling for its rejection!
24 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޯމަ 10:46A parliamentary committee has approved an amendment to the Decentralization Act that allows the government to reclaim land under council jurisdiction for state projects, disregarding a petition submitted in opposition to the move. Despite concerns from the public and several lawmakers that the amendment will undermine the authority of local councils, the committee—dominated by the ruling party—has resolved to finalize the bill by the end of today.
The Parliamentary Committee on Decentralization reviews the bill to amend the Decentralization Act of the Maldives. | People's Majlis
The Parliament’s Decentralization Committee has decided to conclude its review of a proposed amendment to the Decentralization Act—which would allow the government to reclaim land under local council jurisdiction for state development projects—despite a petition calling for the bill’s rejection.
During the committee meeting held on Sunday, Ibrahim Shifaz, the Member of Parliament for the Ungoofaaru constituency, proposed to proceed with the bill without considering the petition calling for its rejection. Additionally, Ahmed Aifan, the Member for the Henveiru North constituency, proposed a deadline of 2:00 p.m. on Monday to complete all work on the bill. Both motions were passed by a majority vote of the committee.
However, the MDP Member for the Kendhoo constituency noted that a petition regarding the bill had been submitted to the Parliament, and the Petition Committee had requested the Decentralization Committee's input on the matter. He stated that if the bill is finalized without considering such a petition, there would be no purpose in allowing petitions to be submitted to the Parliament in the first place.
The member stated that such an action was illogical and could not be permitted. Consequently, the member proposed that the bill's proceedings move forward only after taking the petition into consideration. However, the committee, which holds a PNC majority, rejected the proposal.
As the committee continues its review of the bill sponsored by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannaan Aboobakuru, MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) of the MDP, representing the North Galolhu constituency, has proposed several amendments to the legislation.
The bill has sparked significant concern among the public and local councils. A petition submitted to Parliament highlights that the proposed amendment would strip elected councilors of their authority, effectively transferring those powers to the Cabinet. The petition further notes that these changes would grant the Cabinet the power to penalize councilors, who are elected representatives of the people, on the grounds of opposing or failing to cooperate with government decisions.
Expressing their concern over the matter, several councils have issued statements and resolutions calling for the withdrawal of the amendment.
