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Minister: Not government policy to penalize councils

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2 months ago

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Local Government Minister Adam Shareef Umar says it is not government policy to penalize councils in response to decisions it makes.

Noonu Kendhikulhudhoo Council had issued a statement in February, in which it accused President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of misusing state resources to campaign for the parliamentary elections during his current tour of the atolls.

The Local Government Authority (LGA) responded by sending a letter to the council, telling it to retract the statement.

The move sparked criticism against the LGA.

And last week, Attorney General Ahmed Usham said he does not believe the LGA has the legal authority to force councils to retract statements.

In a press briefing on Sunday, Adam Shareef said the LGA operates as an independent institution.

Clarifying the government’s stand, he said he does not believe the LGA will hereafter penalize councils in response to decisions or statements.

“Even if there’s a ministry, the Local Government Authority is operating within its mandate declared on the Decentralization Act,” he said.

He added that any legal violations by the LGA will be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office, while any possible constitutional or legal violations by councils will be investigated by the LGA.

“The government’s stand is clear in this. I therefore do not believe [the LGA] will take action in response to such statements,” he said.

However, Dr. Mariyam Zulfa, the CEO of LGA, defended the authority’s decision.

She said that if the Attorney General’s Office is unhappy with a decision by the LGA, then the law dictates that the LGA run an inquiry.

She said that she decided against conducting an inquiry due to the “sensitivity” of the issue, and because it would ultimately prove pointless.

“After we open an inquiry, it would already be redundant,” she said.

Zulfa said she accepts the Attorney General’s opinion as “sound legal counsel”, but that she ordered the Kendhikulhudhoo Council to retract its statement because its defamatory.

She said that another reason for the move is because policy dictates that councils pass statements and decisions in a general meeting.

She said that the council did not follow this policy before issuing the statement.

“I sent that letter to counsel them as the head of this institution, because I found that the statement, rather than an inquiry, required counsel and an instructive measure,” she said.

Zulfa added that the LGA has previously also taken such measures in response to decisions and statements by councils.

Kendhikulhudhoo Council, in its statement, accused President Muizzu of appealing for votes for the ruling PPM-PNC, in an event organized by the council.

The council said the president did so without its permission.

It also refused to follow LGA’s orders to retract the statement.

The main opposition MDP reacted to the situation by accusing the government of intimidating councils, and attempting to constrict its powers.

Source(s): sun.mv

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Freedom of journalism must be practiced within the responsibilities

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1 day ago

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04/05/2024

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Minister at the President’s Office for Strategic Communications Ibrahim Khaleel has underscored the importance of exercising the freedom of press within the responsibilities. He made the remarks while speaking at a programme aired on PSM News.

Commemorating the 7th anniversary of PSM News, Minister Khaleel was invited to the programme, as he played a pivotal role in founding the PSM News Channel during his tenure as the Former Managing Director of the Public Service Media (PSM). The minister worked in the field of journalism and broadcasting for several years, actively engaging in various media positions, including reading and writing news articles.

Highlighted the convenience within the field following the advancements of technology, Minister Khaleel revealed articulated his vision for PSM News to serve as the primary national channel, delivering reliable and timely news coverage across the entirety of the country. In observance of World Press Freedom Day, the minister noted the continuous expansion of press freedom over the years. On this stance, he stressed the significance of media outlets to execute obligations in disseminating news, urging the spread of credible information.

Furthermore, Minister Khaleel revealed the government’s plan to expand and promote journalism. As such, efforts are underway to provide educational opportunities and to strengthen the financial stability of media organisations.

Source(s): PsmNews

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Fourth meeting of High-Level Core Group on withdrawal of Indian troops held in Delhi

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2 days ago

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04/05/2024

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The fourth meeting of the High-level Core Group between the Maldives and India took place in Indian capital New Delhi on Friday.

Maldivian Foreign Ministry said both sides reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation between nations during Friday’s meeting while discussions were also held on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including development and defense cooperation.

Additionally, the Foreign Ministry said it was reiterated that the Indian government will replace military personnel at the last of the three aviation platforms by May 10th, adding both sides expressed satisfaction with the fact that all the logistical arrangements are going ahead as per schedule.

Both sides also agreed that the fifth meeting of the High-Level core Group will be held in Male’ on a mutually agreeable date in June or July.

The High-Level Core Group was formed following a meeting between Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of COP28.

Source(s): sun.mv

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Minister of Islamic Affairs to attend the OIC Summit as the President’s Special Envoy

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2 days ago

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03/05/2024

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The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, will attend the 15th session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which begins tomorrow, as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Special Envoy.

The Minister of Islamic Affairs is scheduled to address the 15th session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as the President’s Special Envoy, which begins tomorrow, at Banjul, The Gambia. His address will be broadcast on television.

The Islamic Summit of the OIC, held once every three years, brings the leaders of the Islamic nations together to deliberate, take policy decisions, and provide guidance on issues pertaining to the Ummah as outlined in the OIC Charter.

The 15th Session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will take place in Banjul, The Gambia, from May 4–5, 2024, under the theme “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development.”

Source(s): Presidents Office

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