Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib has clarified that he did not request Parliament to amend legislation to amend the allocation of freehold land plots.

The clarification follows reports suggesting the Minister had called for changes during a recent parliamentary sitting. Addressing the issue in a post on X, Minister Dr Muththalib said he had not sought any legislative amendments. Instead, he had informed the Parliament that the system of awarding freehold land plots is a unique practice specific to the Maldives, not commonly seen in other countries.

The Minister explained that while continuing the practice might present challenges in the future, any decision on the matter must be made collectively by Parliament. He stressed that changing a culturally and historically significant practice is not a matter that can be decided solely by the executive branch.

Speaking during the session, the Minister reiterated that the allocation of freehold land plots for residential purposes remains a distinctive feature of the Maldives’ land policy. He added that it was important for lawmakers to consider carefully how to address the challenges of maintaining the practice in the long term.