President Dr Mohamed Waheed has today said that while the constitution guarantees the freedom of expression, individuals should recognize our responsibilities associated with it. The President made this remark while speaking to the people of Mulah, as part of his visit to the island today. The President is currently on a tour of some islands of the Meemu Atoll.
Addressing to the people, the President said that freedom does not come without restrictions, but is limited in order to protect the rights and freedoms of others. In this regard, the President said that an independent democratic nation can be established by increasing awareness on the extent of freedom stipulated in the constitution, especially by youth and students.
Deliberating on the lack of freedom of speech and press freedom until recently, President Waheed said that no one would now be penalized for expressing their opinion. In this regard, the President noted that the country is undergoing an extremely difficult period in the efforts to establish democracy.
Underscoring that the people across the country were impatient due to the delays in providing basic services, the President noted that it was the responsibility of those elected by the people to reform and develop the country. In this regard, President Waheed said that providing those services was not the constitutional duty of the President alone, but also that it was the responsibility of other state institutions.
Whilst emphasizing that the system of governance was established on three separate and independent branches, the President noted that there were instances in which the executive and legislative branches exert undue influence on each other. Continuing in this regard, President Waheed said that it is the people who bear the hardships as a result.
After meeting with the people of Mulah, President laid the foundation stone of the Multi Purpose Hall at the Mulaku School.
