President: Protesting does not showcase “beauty”

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has commented that protests and demonstrations do not showcase the beauty of an island or country.

Speaking during the ceremony this Monday to officially inaugurate the water production system in M. Dhiggaru, President Yameen said that the beauty of an island becomes visible with the good virtues of the people who live on the island, and by the youth of the island choosing to serve the community instead of remaining unemployed.

"The beauty will become visible when the youth become people who earn a living and look after their parents. When the government becomes capable of providing healthcare to the poorest through Aasandha,” said President Yameen.

He said the word of people who gain protection from foreign powers and then claim to want to serve Maldives cannot be believed. And called out for anyone who wished to serve the people of Maldives to respect the laws of the country.

The comments come after former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, in a recent interview to an international newspaper, said he will continue serving the people of Maldives.

President Yameen, in his speech, said the days when media would report news of one classroom being built in schools were long past, and that projects to build 10 classrooms or multi-purpose halls were what made news now.

He said that people who “shiver” in fear over the cost of such projects were not worthy of leadership.

“So people who shiver in fear over the debt which needs to be undertaken, continue shivering. We are carrying own with the debt because we don’t shiver in dread. Progress can only be made with strong spirit and willpower,” said President Yameen.

He also called out for corporation and assistance of the people in projects carried out in communities.