MPs debated a resolution proposed by the ruling party to consider reforms to the 15-year-old decentralisation law. Five-member councils for small islands have failed to justify the high cost of local government, PNC MP Ibrahim Shujau contended, calling for reducing the number of full-time councillors with some members to work part-time for an allowance. Opposition MPs objected to the proposed reforms and accused the PNC government of seeking to take back devolved powers.
MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail called for unity after a lunch meeting with former president Mohamed Nasheed and his loyalists from The Democrats. The apparent reconciliation came after Nasheed sought the opinion of key MDP leaders on a potential bid for the presidency in 2028.
Parliament's public accounts committee deferred to the Pay Commission on increasing retirement benefits for the chief justice as proposed by the Judicial Service Commission, which sought to raise the monthly living allowance to MVR 70,000 (US$ 4,500) from MVR 47,182 at present, in addition to a lump sum payment of MVR 493,600 instead of MVR 185,000. The JSC proposed calculating the benefits based on the total duration of service to the state instead of the number of years as a judge. The payout was a “deal” for the imminent retirement of Chief Justice Muthasim Adnan, opposition MPs alleged. The ruling party-controlled committee decided to amend the retirement rules based on the Pay Commission's advice.
Parliament approved the president's nomination of former VTV reporter Zamath Ahmed Waheed to fill a vacant position on the seven-member Maldives Broadcasting Commission.
