Shahid: PNC seeks to centralize control, undermines councils

Abdullah Shahid, President of the Maldivian Democratic Network (MDP), stated on Wednesday evening that the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) seeks to retain centralized power and prevent the populace from gaining authority.

The Parliament on Wednesday enacted an amendment to the Decentralization Act, which curtails certain powers of local councils. This legislation was passed despite notable concerns from various councils and widespread public criticism.

In response to the amendment's passage, Shahid, speaking at the party's national assembly, characterized the decentralization law as the party's foundational achievement. He noted that his repeated assertions on this matter have often been met with ridicule from opposition PNC members.

Shahid elaborated, "The PNC's objective is to maintain power centralized in Male' city, exercising stringent control, and to preclude the public from acquiring any authority. Thus, a fundamental divergence in understanding exists."

He further contrasted the MDP's stance with that of the PNC, affirming that the MDP advocates for and promotes the decentralization of powers.

Additionally, Shahid accused President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of undermining decentralization with the intention of dismantling the entire system after assuming governmental control.

Shahid quoted the President, stating, "[The President] remarked that councils comprise mothers, fathers, and children, and subsequently engage in fishing. He intended to demean them by mentioning fishing. However, there is no more honorable profession in this nation."

Following this, Shahid alleged that the President had also referred to council members as travellers. He said that, in reality, the government was engaging in fruitless overseas trips while assigning blame to the councils.

Shahid further asserted that the government aimed to erode the trust and reputation of the councils.

He also highlighted what he perceived as a contradiction: while governmental intervention in markets to regulate private businesses is deemed acceptable, advising councils against such interference is not considered objectionable. He urged both the government and councils to refrain from interfering in private businesses.

On Wednesday evening, Shahid affirmed that the MDP government would not allow the abandonment of decentralization.

Conversely, in a post on X on Wednesday evening, Minister Adam Shareef defended the government's amendments to the Decentralization Act. He maintained that the President is actively engaged in empowering councils financially.

He highlighted the President's robust policies designed to empower councils and cultivate public trust. These initiatives include allocating uninhabited islands to councils, visiting islands to engage with council members, basing decisions on council proposals, and tailoring projects to their specific requests.