The government’s proposed bill to give the Cabinet greater control over land currently under local council authority has been delayed until Thursday, amid growing public concern over the changes.
The Decentralization Committee had initially planned to complete its review by Sunday. However, members unanimously agreed to extend the deadline until the final day of the current parliamentary session. The motion was proposed by PNC MP Hassan Waheed and seconded by PNC MP Ahmed Aifan.
The delay comes as opposition to the bill continues to grow. A petition submitted by social media activist Midhuam Saud on August 8 has already reached the required 2,100 signatures, allowing it to be considered by the Parliament’s Petition Committee. The committee is scheduled to meet at noon on Sunday.
The petition argues that the proposed changes would weaken the authority of elected local councillors by giving the Cabinet the power to take over land under council control. It also raises concerns that residents could have less say in decisions involving land on their islands.
The bill, submitted by PNC MP Abdul Hannan Abubakr of Thulhaadhoo, is intended to make it easier for the government to carry out development projects by improving cooperation between councils and the central government.
Supporters, including PNC parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falaah and LGA CEO Mohamed Nimal, say the changes could help speed up development projects.
However, critics are particularly concerned that the Cabinet could take over council-controlled land even before an island or city’s physical development plan is approved.
With the petition now reaching the required threshold and public debate intensifying, the committee is expected to face increased scrutiny when it resumes consideration of the bill.
