President vows government will not agitate political opponents

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has said the neither he, nor the government will make statements to agitate or obstruct political opponents. President Yameen made the statement yesterday at a meeting with the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka, during his current state visit to the country.

Speaking at the meeting, President Yameen said the government’s efforts are not political, but are national efforts to move the country forward for a better future. Political differences must be limited to politics and the development efforts are for the benefit of the people, President Yameen said.

He also noted that a low crime rate and stability is essential for development and that there has already been an increase in the number of investors who are interested in investing in the Maldives, and who support the government’s policies.

Highlighted the need to focus on development and reflecting on Maldives’ lack of natural resources, the President stressed that all development efforts must continue without disruption. In the future, Maldives will see the proper implementation of laws, the President assured, and the mechanisms to ensure government accountability and national redress will also find room to properly carry out their duties.

“I do not order Supreme Court judges. I have not ordered the Auditor General to release, or suppress, a certain report. We have not made particular complaints to the ACC [Anti-Corruption Commission], and we have not obstructed the ACC from carrying out a particular case. [To carry out investigations] is their own legal responsibility,” said President Yameen.