Weakness allows for increase in foreign influence: President

President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that show of weakness allows for foreign parties to increasingly influence the internal affairs of the Maldives.

President made his remarks while speaking to the people of Raa Alifushi as part of his current tour of Raa atoll commenced today.

President Waheed said that every instance where the people show division and lack of unity is an opportunity for foreign influences to try and to divide the country even further.

Noting that there are a variety of beliefs in the current political environment, the president said there is a larger belief that has to be prioritized amongst all others, and that it is the belief in Islam and the love for the nation. He said that the symbols of nationality; the national anthem, the national flag, and the national colours should stand before all other priorities.

National strength can be derived from unity, he said, and that the all quarrels between friends and family members should be avoided at all costs to fostered unity and coherance. He said prioritizing political ideologies have led people to sever strong bonds, and called upon the people to not allow their relationships to suffer due to differences in political beliefs. He bid the people unite for the progress of the island, the nation, and the future of their children.

The President noted that Alifushi is a productive island that consists of an energetic and spirited population. He said that the island’s progress has been accomplished by the hard work of the people and that even though the government provides certain assistances, he believes that the people had done contributed more to its development.

The president said that most of the islands are in need of proper sewage systems and noted that the current number of projects to establish sewerage systems is the highest the country has ever seen. The president said that a project to establish sewerage systems will be initiated in Alifushi sometime this year.

The president also laid the foundation of a six classroom building in Alifushi today. He will lay the foundation of Raa Ungoofaaru Hospital, and inaugurate the water facility in Raa Dhuvaafaru during his current travels to Raa atoll.