President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said his administration will not hinder any constitutional rights, stressing, however, the administration will not tolerate hate speech and inciting violence.
Speaking to the residents of Hulhudheli during an official visit to the island in Dhaalu Atoll, President Solih emphasised on the significance of peace and harmony within the nation for it to develop and prosper. In this regard, the president noted the administration will do everything in its power to stop all forms of violence and aggression towards any individual or group of people. He further stated every head of state must act against all forms of aggression and chaos.
Speaking on the amendment brought to the Anti-Terrorism Act, the president said the purpose of the bill was not to curtail the freedom of expression. The president said the current administration gives precedence in driving policies that bring about meaningful change. In this regard, he said the administration had also proposed the income tax bill that would further generate income for developmental activities.
Furthermore, President Solih said utility services and other essential necessities are of utmost importance to all island communities and that decentralisation will set forth on achieving these goals through empowering local communities. Highlighting that the government had already delegated numerous powers to the councils, the president said the decentralisation will be established in the country within his first term in office.
Emphasising that decentralisation will delegate more powers to the people, President Solih also noted the importance of supporting candidates who would work together with the administration in achieving the national aspirations of the government in the upcoming local council elections. The president further stressed on the importance of making more informed decisions and the need for electing candidates who would strive to bring development to the communities and work with the spirit of the Strategic Action Plan. He expressed confidence in the people of Hulhudheli in electing officials beneficial to the development of the island.
Stressing the challenges faced by fishermen, President Solih further accentuated the administration is working on the expansion of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) and enhancing the capacity of Felivaru and Kooddoo to accommodate the needs of the fishermen. Citing the introduction of a quota system in the Arabian Sea and the control of netting in the Indian Ocean, the president noted it had been a good year for local fisheries and the completion of the expansion of facilities will accommodate for the necessities of the fishermen in the near future.