The Government has decided to hold back the proposed Land Lease (Amendment) Bill and return it for further consultation following concerns raised by the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs.

In an exclusive interview with VBTC News, Minister of Lands Maco Mahe confirmed that the bill will not proceed at this stage as discussions continue between the Government and the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs.

Minister Mahe said the Government wants to ensure that any amendment aligns properly with existing land reform laws and avoids confusion for the public.

“I had the opportunity to speak with the President of the Malvatumauri and we discussed the issue. I would like to confirm that the bill will not proceed for now. We will continue consultations because the CLMO Act and the Land Reform Act need to work together so that these laws do not create confusion for people or misunderstandings about the Government’s intention,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, Jean Pierre Tom, said the Council was not aware of any proposed amendment relating to land laws being prepared for Parliament.

He said the Council raised concerns because the Constitution requires all land-related bills to first pass through the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs before reaching Parliament.

“This bill would be unconstitutional if it was tabled and passed in Parliament because Constitutional Amendment Number 7 of 2013 clearly states that every bill relating to land must first go through the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs. The Council was never aware of any amendment proposal, and for that reason Malvatumauri raised its concerns with the Speaker of Parliament, the Prime Minister and the Minister responsible for Lands. 

Minister Mahe said the Government believes any land legislation must remain consistent with the Constitution and the country’s broader land reform framework.