MP Mauroof Calls Proposed Decentralisation Amendment Unconstitutional

Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir has argued that a proposed amendment allowing the government to acquire land under council jurisdiction for development projects would violate the Constitution.

A preliminary debate began in Parliament today on a proposed amendment to the Decentralisation Act submitted by Thulhaadhoo Constituency independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru.

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The amendment would allow the central government to acquire land or areas within the jurisdiction of island and city councils when required for government development projects.

Presenting the bill, Hannan said the proposed changes were intended to support island development and facilitate the implementation of national-level projects. He said political disagreements that delay or obstruct development projects could disadvantage island communities, and that addressing such obstacles was among the objectives of the amendment.

During the presentation, Kendhoo MP Mauroof repeatedly objected to the bill, arguing that it was unconstitutional. Raising points of order, he said legislation that allegedly contradicts the Constitution should not be introduced in Parliament.

The Deputy Speaker, who was presiding over the sitting, said the proceedings were continuing in order and asked members not to disrupt the debate.

Speaking later in the debate, Mauroof alleged that the amendment had been submitted by an independent MP with government backing. He claimed that the current administration had sought to weaken the decentralisation system.

“If this amendment is passed, councils will be reduced to maintaining birth and death records,” Mauroof said.

He argued that the Constitution requires the Maldives to be governed through a decentralised system and said changes to provisions of the Decentralisation Act that support this system could conflict with the Constitution.

Mauroof also said a petition opposing the amendment was being submitted to Parliament, with a number of people signing it.

Several ruling PNC MPs raised points of order in response, noting that independent members have the right to submit legislative amendments.