In the Presidential Address today, at the first sitting of the People’s Majlis for this year, President Mohamed Nasheed has appealed the members of the Majlis to begin a new era of co-operation and work together with the government for the betterment of the people and the country.
The President reiterated that the most important mission of his administration was democracy.
In this regard, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to “the division of state powers and the trouble-free running of important independent institutions.”
The President noted the significance of the role of the People’s Majlis in realizing the government’s vision and plans successfully towards consolidation of democracy.
He singled out the “establishment of important offices that come under the judicial system” as a noteworthy culmination of the cooperation between the government and the Majlis.
The People’s Majlis last year passed the Judges Act and established the permanent Supreme Court which the President described as the “cornerstones in the consolidation of democracy.”
President Nasheed asserted that the people have acknowledged the government.
He said the people were now “keen to see the work of the judiciary and the legislature reach acceptable norms of attaining public confidence.”
“The people will not wish to see themselves being denied any services or rights from a house in their name, and would definitely not want to see their own representatives caught up in a drive to overthrow the government,” he added.
In his third Presidential Address, President Nasheed said this government sought to redefine the national identity. He underlined that the government was clear of vision of the nationality the people wanted.
He said, “Present vision for a new nationality is based on good Islamic principles, Maldivian culture, human rights, and on civil, social and economic progress.”
“Today’s vision for a new nationality is complemented further by the presence of an integrated nation-wide transport system in the country and the, easy availability of affordable housing and shelter for all the people,” he added.
Restating that benefits of the government’s programmes were not targeted to only a particular group of people, the President reasserted that “this is the government of all Maldivians.”
He said in the country’s existence “today will be marked by the sun’s radiant, golden yellow rays that light up blue skies and bountiful seas, a day filled by the beautiful rich hues of nature. A new day that signifies the evergreen, trouble-free, joyful clean living.”
Addressing the People’s Majlis, as stipulated in the Article 84 of the Constitution, on the state of the nation, the President said 2010 was a year of achievements and marked improvements in various sectors.
The President underlined the establishment of local councils as the most important accomplishment despite the obstacles in the management of some of these local councils.
He said “the government’s aim is to solve these complications, in introducing decentralization in a manner that does not compromise the features of a unitary state stipulated in the Constitution.”
The President said “the government as well as I cannot allow the unity of the country to be disrupted in any manner.”
He also urged the opposition parties not to participate in such activities.
The President further highlighted on the accomplishments of the government of the past two years, especially in 2010, on many fronts, including socio-economic development and good governance.
He said the speed at which the government’s policies were being implemented and the gratifying changes exerted from these policies directly translated into benefits and advantages to the people.
Continuing in this regard, the President said his “main appeal is for you to endeavor to instill trust and faith in the judicial system…and in the work of parliament.”
“I appeal for unity in the national interests and prioritize constructive judgment and wisdom to allow for peace, progress and order in our country, without being associated with those seeking abrupt opportunities to disrupt and topple the government,” the President added further.
In his Presidential address to the parliament today, he also highlighted on the work underway to formulate a National Security Framework to understand and address the challenges in the area of national security.
The President revealed that the contract would be signed between the Maldives and the United Nations for the Maldivian soldiers to join UN peace-keeping force for the first time national history.
