Male' City Council Mayor Adam Azim stated tonight that local councils must work together against the proposed amendment to the Decentralization Act.

In a post on social media, Azim stated that the proposed statutory change, which empowers the government to separate land from local administrative jurisdictions without public consultation, will infringe upon the rights of the public.

He described it as an unfair act being carried out at the government's own discretion.

The amendment to the Decentralization Act, submitted by Thulhaadhoo Constituency MP Abdul Hannan, proposes changes allowing the cabinet to acquire land, an island, or a lagoon within the jurisdiction of islands whenever required to execute projects.

Expressing concern over the matter, Azim stated that the changes to the system would present numerous challenges in receiving the optimal financial benefits that should be derived from the public's lands.

"There is also concern that the same thing done to Male' City's lands will be done here as well. Therefore, while calling for the withdrawal of this amendment, all of us councils must work together against the effort to destroy the decentralization system and strip away the power of the citizens," Azim said.

Work has also begun on signing an e-petition calling for the rejection of the amendment.

The e-petition created under the name of Midhuam Saeed states that the amendment submitted by Hannan results in stripping the power of councilors elected by public vote and granting that authority to the Cabinet of Ministers.

It further noted that this grants the opportunity to take action against councilors elected by public vote on the grounds of opposing or failing to cooperate with decisions made by the cabinet.