President: Political differences need to be minimized

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has commented it was of vital importance to minimize political differences between both politicians and the general population of the country.

In his address to the nation during the official National Republic Day function held at Dharubaaruge on Thursday night, President Yameen said that national interest needed to be put before all else.

He said that the government should not be blamed for anyone getting punished for committing a crime.

“Today, bridges aren’t needed just to cross the ocean. Bridges need to be built to minimize political differences,” said President Yameen.

He said that the government was working with the national interest put before all else. And that its frits would be enjoyed not just by political leaders, but by the State and the people of the country.

“We don’t realize what we are doing when we cross the line. Responsibilities get violated. The eyes get hazy. We can’t see beyond a 1-foot distance with our political ideology. We do not believe in the biggest pillar of Maldives which is the rule of law,” said President Yameen.

He said that a person was investigated, charged, prosecuted and sentenced based on a uniform procedure that applies to all – the Penal Code.

He said the opposition should abandon any hope of coming to power if it cannot grasp the concept.

In his address, President Yameen also advocated for women empowerment. He said the modern principles of Islam adopted by the country made it compulsory to increase women involvement and women empowerment.

He spoke about the early days of the Republic of Maldives, back to the father of the republic, the first President, Mohamed Ameen Didi.

He said that it was now different times. He said the burden previously borne solely by the

President was now shared among a number of talented individuals.

“Then, the whole republic revolved around one individual. The people of Maldives used to believe that every benefit comes from him. This is why Mohamed Ameen couldn’t remain President,” said President Yameen.

November 11, 2016 is the 48th anniversary of the second republic of Maldives.