President Mohamed Nasheed has called for greater support of the People’s Majlis as well as of the public in fulfilling the government’s pledges. He made this statement in his radio address to the nation which was broadcast on the Voice of Maldives at 7.15 this morning.
He said the government will begin work to fast track the execution of developmental projects during the coming week, before reiterating the government’s confidence to fulfil its pledges to the people.
The President said that establishing a nationwide transport system in the Maldives was one of the key priorities of the government.
He said the transport project would initially be started in Thaa and Laamu Atolls, and said the government was now working to conclude an agreement with the successful bidder.
In his radio address, the President also focused on the World Breastfeeding Week, starting on 1 August.
The President said health professionals both in the Maldives and the international community strongly recommended the breastfeeding.
In his radio address, the President also spoke on the petition submitted by editors, expressing concern over the government’s decision to stop publishing government notices in newspapers.
He said publishing government advertisements or notices was not the proper way for subsidising newspapers, which, he said, contradicted the purpose of advertisement.
He said if there was a need for subsidising a newspaper, the budget would include the specific subsidy for the specific paper.
The President said the government was closely watching the situation of newspapers. He said the government wanted detailed financial statements from the newspapers.
He further said the government did not exclude the possibility of paying subsidies to the newspapers if the need arose.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to developing and promoting free media in the Maldives.
He said, ‘the government will entrench freedom of expression in the country so strongly that it will never fade away’.
