In an article published in the Washington Times, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom described the false allegations put forth by former President Mohamed Nasheed and his legal team as deeply disturbing to many Maldivians.
The President rebuffed statements that the Maldives’ economy had taken a downward turn, saying “Despite the global economic downturn, our economy continues to grow and we are the only Millennium Development Goals Plus country in South Asia. U.N. figures indicate that since 1998 extreme poverty is down by 94 percent and hunger by 57 percent. There has been 156 percent increase of women’s share in employment.”
The President also pointed to the Maldives’ efforts in strengthening its democracy, stating “As in any embryonic democracy, we have experienced growing pains and differences in opinion. A reform agenda, proposed by then-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in June 2004, culminated in the adoption of a new constitution in 2008. That constitution is regarded as one of the most rights-based in the world. I have also ensured a broad base of professional experience is present among my ministers.”
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safety of every individual within the Maldives’ shores. “My government has never been more alert to the threat of terrorism, as is every other peaceful nation in the world at the moment. We work tirelessly to protect our people and visitors.” he said.
The President noted that, while effects to all Maldivians due to the proposed sanctions were being downplayed, such actions were an affront to our young democracy and treated the voters, who voted for the current leadership in an internationally recognized election, with disdain.