Funadhoo Constituency MP Mohamed Mamdooh has said the Government’s proposed amendments to the Decentralisation Act are intended to strengthen the administration of local councils, clarify unclear provisions in the law, and protect private businesses from council interference.

Speaking on MMTV’s Bodu Khabaru programme, Mamdooh said one of the most significant changes in the proposed bill would ensure that councils cannot interfere in businesses owned by individuals. He noted that under the current law, local authority companies set up by councils have been able to operate in areas where residents were already earning an income, but that the amendment would close this gap and safeguard locally owned enterprises.

Mamdooh also highlighted concerns about some councils deviating from their five-year development plans in their final year of office. He said that while councils are elected to implement plans developed in consultation with the public, there have been cases where little work is done in the early years, only for political agendas to take over towards the end of the term. According to him, the proposed amendment seeks to ensure that development plans reflect the people’s wishes and are implemented fairly and equitably.

Addressing opposition claims that the changes would weaken councils, Mamdooh argued that amendments made under the previous administration had already removed many council powers. He maintained that the current proposals are aimed at improving council management while giving more power to the public.

The amendment bill, submitted by South Fuvahmulah MP Ibrahim Hussain on behalf of the Government, is currently open for public commentary.