Ithuru Vaahaka
Episode 14: Suspended without pay – when decentralisation becomes punishment
Suspended without pay, Hoarafushi Council President Mohamed Waheed reflects on due process, accountability, and decentralised governance.
4 hours ago
In this episode, we sit down with Mohamed Waheed, president of the Hoarafushi council, who made headlines as the first local council member to be suspended without pay under controversial amendments to the Decentralisation Act. These amendments grant the Local Government Authority sweeping and unprecedented powers to suspend and reprimand elected council members – even without formal investigations. Join us for an in-depth conversation on power, accountability, and the future of local democracy.
00:35 - First to be suspended under new amendments to the law
1:00 - "You can suspend me, but the government cannot shut me up"
1:15 - The petrol shed
1:45 - Hoarafushi council debates
2:18 - Local Government Authority warnings
2:35 - Hoarafushi council decides
3:45 - Council's rationale for non-compliance
4:25 - ACC loses in court – court refuses ACC injunction
5:35 - "Diesel is cheaper, many have jobs, we will not back down"
6:10 - Not new to local governance
7:15 - Central government overreach
7:45 - Councils suppressed and decentralisation in jeopardy
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