Malé, Maldives – President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih criticizes former President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration.
Addressing the nation at the official function to mark the 55th Republic Day last night, President Solih described Yameen’s time in office as a time of uncertainty and fear when our constitutional rights and freedoms were suppressed.
He also stated that political leaders were imprisoned and the country was isolated from the international community.
President Solih said that four years ago, the people wanted a just government that would ensure their rights would be accountable to the people, uphold the Constitution, and ensure the rule of law.
He said the people wanted a government that would provide a cohesive environment and equitable development without prejudice or discrimination.
President said that the responsibilities that rested on his shoulders when he took office began with decentralizing powers.
He further stated that his administration had served the people without prejudice or discrimination.
Speaking about his administrations achievements, the President said his administration had ensured income and jobs over the past four years and an affordable high-speed transport network between the islands. He also spoke about the administration’s commitment to justice and good governance.
Although President Solih criticized the former administration, Solih has also come under criticism for following similar patters of administration to Yameen.
Senior officials of MDP, including Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed among others, also criticized the current administrations failure to properly investigate, and press charges in the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) scandal – which cost a potential loss of MVR 4 billion in state funds.
Additionally, the amendments to the Evidence Act which was ratified in July of this year where the court can compel journalists and media outlets to reveal their sources in cases related to “acts of terrorism” and “national security-related matters” also was seen as an act of media suppression by the current administration.
