People's National Congress (PNC) Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah has stated that the government did not file the amendment that was filed by Thulhaadhoo Constituency MP Abdul Hannan, which seeks to amend the Decentralization Act where the government can take plots under an island's jurisdiction for project purposes.
During the debate that was held at today's Parliament session where Hannan filed the amendment, Kendhoo Constituency MP Mauroof Zakir alleged that the amendment was filed by MP Hannan on behalf of the government. He also called for the amendment to be taken back, stating the amendment was filed in order to "destroy" local governance.
In response, Falah said that this is an issue with the system and that stating the amendment submitted by the independent MP Hannan was sent by the government is a systemic issue.
"Even if an MP is independent or is a party member, all MPs have a constitutional right to file amendments to the Parliament. And so, stating that the amendment filed by an independent MP was sent to them by the government is directly a systemic issue," said Falah.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Saleem said that the issue raised by Falah is not a systemic issue, with Mauroof being given the floor once more.
However, some councilors have expressed concerns regarding the amendment. Calls to take back the amendment have begun via the signing of an e-petition.
The petition was announced under Midhuam Saud's name, with the e-petition stating the amendment filed by Hannan will take power away from elected councilors and give it to the Cabinet.
It also says that this would allow the Cabinet to state that elected councilors are going against their decisions or are not being cooperative, and that the opportunity to take steps against them will present itself.
"As the amendments that have been submitted go against the Decentralization Act and the spirit of the act, and as the amendments would reduce the power held by the councilors all the way to the residents, we submit this petition calling to take the bill back," as was written in the petition.
The petition currently has more than 600 signatures.
