Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla has stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu would ensure that the Maldives becomes a safe, secure and developed nation during his presidency.
The Speaker made this statement while speaking on a PSM programme where he highlighted the achievements of the current government in 2024.
Abdul Raheem, who is also the Chairperson of the ruling Peoples’ National Congress (PNC), said President Muizzu’s administration faced significant challenges in 2024, including the dire economic situation inherited from the previous government.
The Speaker also noted that the former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government had allocated the 2024 budget in a way that it was inadequate to fulfill President Muizzu’s pledges. However, despite these setbacks, the most notable achievement of the President has been preventing the country from going bankrupt while ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of basic services to the people, he said.
Highlighting other accomplishments, the Speaker said the Maldives was in a precarious situation when the new administration took office. He pointed out that peace and stability, social justice and financial situation in the country were failing. However, within a year of assuming office, President Muizzu achieved significant milestones, including the establishment of the Maldives’ first development bank to expand the economy. While the establishment of a Free Trade Agreement between China and Maldives marked a historic milestone, the Maldives also achieved its target of hosting a record 2 million tourists within a year, he noted.
Speaker Abdul Raheem also elaborated on the administration’s vision for the future. He said the President is focused on restoring the peace, security and unity that once existed in the Maldives. He also envisions a future where significant social issues facing the Maldives are effectively addressed. With these visions, President Muizzu will be successful in bringing about a safe, secure and developed nation within the next five years, Abdul Raheem asserted.
“If there is no peace and stability, there will be no progress and development. It is imperative to distance our youth from drugs. It is crucial to prevent gang crimes. Amendments to laws have been submitted to the Parliament to achieve both. The President has also taken important steps to keep the society away from tobacco use,” the Speaker noted.
Speaker Abdul Raheem assured that the Parliament would fully cooperate with the government to achieve its vision and produce the desired outcomes.