President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that decentralization is key to the meaningful progress sought by the island community.
Speaking to the residents of Hulhudheli Island of South Nilandhe Atoll this afternoon, President Solih said that utility services and other essential necessities are of utmost importance to all island communities and that decentralization will set forth on achieving these goals through empowering local communities.
President Solih said that the administration had submitted the bill on decentralization to the Parliament within the previous week. Highlighting that the government had already delegated numerous powers to the councils, the President said that the decentralization will be established in the country within this administration.
Emphasizing that decentralization will delegate more powers to the people, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also noted the importance of supporting candidates who would work together with the administration in achieving the national aspirations of the government in the upcoming council elections.
The President further stressed on the importance of making more informed decisions and the need for electing candidates who would strive to bring development to the communities and work with the spirit of the Strategic Action Plan. The President expressed his confidence in the people of Hulhudheli in electing officials beneficial to the development of the island.
Speaking on the amendment brought to the Anti-Terrorism Act, the President said that the purpose of the bill was not to curtail the freedom of expression. President Solih said that the government will not hinder any constitutional rights. However, he stressed that the administration will not tolerate hate speech and inciting violence. The President emphasized on the significance of peace and harmony within the nation for it to develop and prosper.
In that regard, the President noted that the government will do everything in its power to stop any forms of violence and aggression towards any individual or group of people. He further stated that every head of state must act against any forms of aggression and chaos.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said that the current administration gives precedence in driving policies that bring about meaningful change. In this regard, the President said that the government had also proposed the income tax bill that would further generate income for developmental activities.
Stressing the challenges faced by the fishermen, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih further accentuated that the government is working on the expansion of MIFCO and enhancing the capacity of Felivaru and Kooddoo to accommodate the needs of the fishermen. Citing the introduction of a quota system in the Arabian Sea and the control of netting in the Indian Ocean, the President noted that it had been a good year for local fisheries and that the completion of the expansion of facilities will accommodate for the necessities of the fishermen in the near future.
