In Last of Public Meetings, President Addresses Discipline, Development and Justice Backlogs

MALÉ — At a community meeting in Hulhumalé Phase 1, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu confronted concerns over school discipline, urban planning, law‑enforcement crackdowns and a series of looming policy changes.

These sessions, held across the capital region over recent weeks, have become a hallmark of the administration’s attempt to bring policy debates directly into neighbourhood halls. The gathering at Rehendhi School marked the final stop in the series, drawing residents who arrived with a mix of frustration, curiosity and long‑standing grievances.

School Discipline and Mobile Phone Restrictions

At Rehendhi School, the president opened with an issue that has stirred parents across Malé: mobile phones in classrooms. He said students in Grade 10 and below would no longer be allowed to bring phones to school, while those in Grades 11 and 12 may continue to do so only if the devices remain locked away during class hours. The Education Ministry, he noted, is preparing a classroom‑level locker system to enforce the rule.

The announcement followed a recent incident in which a student reportedly watched an inappropriate video during class, triggering a fight that spread quickly on social media. Several parents at the meeting said the episode reflected a broader erosion of discipline, and they urged the government to intervene before the problem deepens.

Crackdown on Illicit Massage Parlors

Residents also pressed the president on the government’s sweeping crackdown on brothels operating under the guise of massage centres. Since December 9, authorities have closed 83 establishments in raids across Malé. Several foreigners were among those detained and are now being deported.

The president described the operation as a clean up drive and said he welcomed the public complaints that had helped guide enforcement. The President said that the scale of the closures was unprecedented and expressed relief that long‑ignored concerns were finally being addressed.

Urban Planning and Building Regulations in Hulhumalé Phase 1

Urban development dominated another stretch of the meeting, as residents sought clarity on shifting building regulations in Hulhumalé Phase 1. The government now plans to raise the height limit to 10 floors, up from the current cap of 8. Under the revised rules, the first floor of new buildings will be reserved for nonresidential use, while the ground level will be designated for parking.

The president said planning rules evolve with policy changes and must remain aligned with infrastructure capacity, including water, sewerage and broader land use plans. He also announced a 10 percent discount on land prices for those who received plots under the social category. Buyers who have already paid a substantial portion will see the deduction applied to their remaining balance. Similar concessions had been offered during earlier community meetings.

Retirement Allowances and Reemployment Policy

The president also addressed concerns about the government’s use of retirees in senior posts. He said the administration plans to revise rules that currently allow retirees appointed to new positions to receive both a salary and a pension. Many retirees, he argued, remain capable and willing to serve, and the state should enable them to continue working up to age 75.

A Reemployment Bill has already been submitted to Parliament to formalize opportunities for those between 65 and 75. The president said retirees have been placed in key roles because they bring experience, ethical grounding and managerial competence.

Long Pending Court Cases and Legal Delays

As in previous meetings, residents raised concerns about long‑pending court cases, particularly those involving detainees held for more than a year. The president said these cases should be resolved by March and praised the work of the attorney general, noting that the administration is closely monitoring delays in the justice system.

He acknowledged that legal challenges continue to slow progress but said he remains committed to clearing the backlog. The issue, he added, has surfaced repeatedly during his community‑hall tour, including at a meeting the previous night.

Maldives has one of the highest incarceration rates in South Asia.