Presidential Address delivered amid shouting by opposition

PPM and MDA parliamentary group members have congratulated President Yameen following the speech at the parliament.

#PPMDA group PG congratulating President Yameen after Riyaasee Bayaan #HivvarugadhaRaees #ShukuriyyaRaees pic.twitter.com/JesQLm89DG

— Abdulla Rifau Bochey (@RifauMP) March 2, 2015

Tourism Minister Adeeb has praised President Yameen following the speech at the parliament. He said on Twitter, “Simply great, HEP Yameen – Presidential Address [delivered] in one round despite JP’s uncivilised activities. Not to mention [JP Leader] Gasim abandoned the parliament chamber.

Simply Great,HEP Yameen Riyasee Bayaan Ehburun,MDP/ JP ge Naathahuzeeb amalu Thakaa ekeeves, ekamaku annekaa Gasim Chamber in ves Filee hehe

— Ahmed Adeeb (@Ahmed_Adeeb) March 2, 2015

Speaker Maseeh announced that the next parliament sitting would be held tomorrow.

President of Adhaalath Party Sheikh Imran Abdulla has said on Twitter that President Yameen was “experiencing the bitterness of terminating the coalition that helped him win the Presidential Election.”

Raees yaameen mihaaru e ihsaas kurahvanee verikan genai coalition roolhaalumuge hithikan. pic.twitter.com/1bSBcEHikm

— Imran (@ShImranAb) March 2, 2015

Speaker of Parliament Abdulla Maseeh has announced the conclusion of today’s parliament sitting.

The delivery of the Presidential Address has been completed amidst shouting and chaos.

Foreign investment worth MVR 9.8 billion would come to Maldives this year, said President Yameen, which would increase revenue by 70 percent compared to last year. Meanwhile pro-government MPs are protesting against Nasheed.

From Majlis chamber ! pic.twitter.com/iTwZ1LXJuN

— Ahmed Nihan (@ahmed_nihan) March 2, 2015

President Yameen has said that efforts are ongoing to establish football stadiums in 36 islands with populations above 2000, under the sports arena project. He assured that pending work with regard to the establishment of football stadiums, will be completed before the end of the year. A Sports Bill has been submitted to the parliament to encourage sports among Maldivians, he said.

MDP members are shouting and calling for Nasheed’s release.

President has highlighted in his speech developmental projects, such as reclamation works in four islands, and water and sewerage projects in 21 islands. He also said that efforts were ongoing to solve the problem of flooding in Malé.

With start of President Yameen’s speech, opposition MPs have started a protest. The President is giving the speech in spite of the noise.

The speaker has welcomed the MPs to the parliament sitting for the delivery of the Presidential Address, as per Article 84 of the Constitution.

The meeting is under way, chaired by Speaker of Parliament Abdulla Maseeh.

Today’s parliament sitting is also attended by Supreme Court Judge Abdulla Saeed.

MPs of MDP arrived at the parliament in a group, holding placards calling for the release of former President Mohamed Nasheed. The group also included Medhu-Henveyru MP Ali Azim, who is in police custody after being arrested for refusing to obey orders at a recent anti-government demonstration. Opposition parties have announced that they will protest at the parliament today, and said that “it will not be easy” for President Yameen to deliver the Presidential Address.

President Yameen has arrived at the parliament building.

MPs have arrived at the parliament, for parliament sitting to inaugurate the first session for 2015.