LGA President: Purpose of councils is not to issue political statements

President of Local Government Authority (LGA), Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer has said that councils are a crucial layer of the executive branch, and they were not established to issue statements to promote a particular political ideology.

Umar made this remark at a ceremony at Islamic Centre this morning, to mark four years since the introduction of the Decentralisation System in the Maldives.

He said that councils often issue statements containing political messages, and this happens because people are not well-informed about the system.

He urged the people responsible to refrain from issuing such statements.

The Home Minister said that councils should work to solve problems among citizens and promote unity, and urged council members not to take no-confidence votes against council presidents unless absolutely necessary.

Umar also dismissed rumours that the current government does not support the idea of decentralisation, and said that the government will take steps to empower councils and help them become self-sufficient.

He assured that the government will provide funds to councils as required and deserved, but reminded that the money should be spent responsibly.

He urged councils to treat all citizens equally regardless of political affiliations.