President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has reassured the People’s Majlis of his commitment to adhere to the constitution and the rule of law, within the execution of his duties as President of the Maldives. The President made this remark while delivering this year’s Presidential Address today, at the opening session of the People’s Majlis for 2016.
In his address, the President stated that the most important goal of this Administration is to ensure that Maldivians are a people who respect and abide by the laws established under our constitution; to minimise crime and be protected from the drug epidemic; and to maintain respect from other countries while maintaining our uniqueness. He also expressed his confidence of the continuous cooperation and contribution of the parliament, to this Administration in carrying out its endeavours.
The President highlighted the Government’s undertakings to overcome the challenges being faced by the Maldivian people, and for national development. In this regard, the President spoke extensively on the milestones achieved, and the Government’s future plans in the social, economic and urban development sectors.
President Yameen noted that actions need to be taken to recover the losses to the State due to negligence in the use of the Administration finances and property, and cases of corruption that have been taking place in the recent years. He stated that the Attorney General’s Office will begin legal proceedings this year regarding such cases, as per reports issued by the Anti-Corruption Commission and Auditor General’s Office.
The President also stated that 2015 was a year in which Maldives received prestigious achievements in the foreign sector, having maintained good standing with the international community and by reinforcing the pride and honour of the nation. Speaking in this regard, the President noted that the most important objective of the Maldives’ Foreign Policy is to safeguard the country’s independence and sovereignty; maintain regional security; and to protect and promote national integrity.
He further said, “It also encompasses strengthening bilateral relations with friendly countries, and ensuring the continued respect from other countries towards the Maldives. It includes working together with other countries in solving issues, without allowing foreign parties to interfere with our domestic affairs. Furthermore, the foreign policy highlights the promotion of global human rights and ensuring that the Maldives respects these human rights at all times; and the fulfilment of the Maldives’ duties as a member of the international human rights conventions.”
