Minister of Defence and National Security Adam Shareef Umar has said President-Elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih should be given the means to govern without any influence. The defence minister made the statement at a ceremony held to inaugurate a fire station in Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
Noting the Maldives follow a republic form of government, Defence Minister Adam Shareef said the people should be ruled by a leader elected from a popular vote. In this regard, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was elected by the people and should be given the means to govern the people without any influence, according to the defence minister.
In his speech, the minister highlighted the president-elect came with a manifesto and no other individual should interfere his way of governance or try and shape up the policies. Noting the importance of unity to ensure further development, Adam Shareef expressed hope the president-elect will base his policies on such principles. He said the opportunity must not be given for any party to hijack the rule of law.
The defence minister made the remarks at a time when the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has been widely criticising the opposition coalition, whose leaders have been openly active in the political arena.