President Mohamed Nasheed has strongly condemned the public disturbances in the capital Male’ led by a small group of people for political gains. The President vowed to take legal action against those involved in these unrests.
Speaking in his weekly radio address on Friday, President Nasheed said the on-going disturbances in Male every night threatened public safety. He assured protecting people’s safety and security was the utmost priority of the government.
The President criticized opposition parties for the lack of positive engagement with and criticisms of the policies of the government, which are made public in the government manifesto.
He said: “It would not be easy to consolidate democratic rule under such an atmosphere. This is evidence of the need for effective and active political parties.”
Speaking on the economy, the President said the last three years have seen a global economic downturn. However, he noted, the situation in the Maldives was improving. The President credited the policies of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for the positive signs shown by the economy. As a result people’s approval for the MDP was growing, he said.
In his address, the President again focused on the state of the judiciary. He said while the three branches of the state were separated by the new Constitution, the Judiciary still remained under the influence of a powerful few.
“As the head of state, this is a matter of grave concern to me…this is a national issue that cannot be left unresolved.”
The President concluded his radio address, expressing confidence that the people would strive to establish a reformed and just judiciary in the country.