Freedom of expression crucial for national prosperity and development: President

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

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Abdul Latheef

President Mohamed Nasheed has said freedom of expression is a prerequisite for national prosperity and development. He made this statement at a special function held on Wednesday night in Gan, Laamu atoll, to provide information on development projects and programmes for Kolhumadulu and Hadhdhunmathi atolls.

The President criticized opposition parties for the lack of positive engagement with the policies of the government. He added the government was engaged in several mega developmental projects that required constructive attention of the opposition parties to ensure whether those projects benefited the people. Instead, he continued, the opposition parties were focused on inciting unrest.

“The government cannot hear constructive criticisms for development through the 24-hour, continuous incitement to unrest via TV channels,” he said.

The President said: “We want to establish a democracy in the Maldives, where strong, competitive political parties are formed and the people make an informed decision during elections through party manifestos and where the elected party could complete the five year term”.

Referring to the ongoing judicial crises, the President repeated that while the Maldives have had a new executive, a new parliament and new decentralized councils under the new Constitution, the judiciary remained unchanged. The President therefore reiterated his call to reform the judiciary.

“I assure you that before we go for the [presidential] election, a just judiciary will be established,” said the President.

In his speech, the President also highlighted the progress of various development projects and the state of the economy. He said Rf 1.6 billion was spent last year on infrastructure development.

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