Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) MP for Thinadhoo North Constituency SaudhullahHilmy has stated that many citizens believe that the islands were better managed by the Island Chiefs and their Deputies than the present system of Councilors.
He made the statement speaking at the debate session of the amendment proposed to the Decentralization Act proposed by PPM MP for Thulusdhoo Constituency Mohamed Waheed.
Hilmy stated that the present system of Councils, Council Presidents and Councilors have failed and was not popular among the citizens. He also stated that the Councilors elected in the first election had acted in a manner that had lost the faith of the public towards the system.
He added that the public was satisfied with the hard work carried out by the Island Chiefs and their Deputies.
Noting that the Government spends millions in salaries and remuneration for the Councilors, with little results seen from them.
Defending the Council system in yesterday’s Parliament debate, Kulhudhuffushi North MP Abdul GhafoorMoosa stated that the Council system was not hampered due to the Councilors.
He noted that while MPs earned MVR 85,000 as basic pay, most of the MPs are not present in the Parliament session. Abdul Ghafoor added that the Government had cited high expenditure as a reason not to hold the by-elections of the Councils. He added that in spite of the high running costs, the Government was increasing the number of high paid, political positions in the Government.
Abdul Ghafoor also noted that the present system of Councilors was brought into effect by the vote of those who presently hold the majority of the Parliament.
Citizens believe that Island Chiefs were better than Councilors: SaudullahHilmy
