President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that his administration does not and will not politically punish individuals. He made the statement while addressing the residents of Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alif Atoll, as part of his ongoing visit to select islands of the Atoll.
In his address, the President said all citizens are equal before him and that he would not discriminate between any citizen in providing services on the basis of difference of opinions. While the Maldivian Constitution assures the freedom of expression and assembly, it is his policy to ensure that the rights are exercised to its fullest extent, he stated.
The President expressed his desire to always maintain peace in the country. Although previous administrations have politically punished individuals, the current Administration has not taken any such action, he noted, emphasising his commitment to fairness and equality. Political oppression and isolation is not a policy he believes in, he added, calling to practice morality in expressing opinions.
“It is not a problem to direct criticism at me or the government. However, while the Maldives practices the holy religion of Islam, we must act in line with Islamic principles. We must choose discipline and good manners. We must speak in polite language. Every citizen is a respectable, dignified citizen. Every person has honor and reputation,” the President said.
The President said that political differences should not be a reason to humiliate and undermine others. He emphasised that the country will see development and progress only if everyone works together with good morals and a national mindset.
President Assures Delivery on Pledges for Dhidhdhoo
Shifting focus on his development pledges for Dhidhdhoo, the President recalled the pledges he made for the islands during his presidential campaign and stated that every pledge was made with the full confidence that it can be achieved. While the island’s airport project is integral for development, it is an important part of the medium-term and long-term development plans for the island as well as the entire atoll, he noted. The President said the airport project would see progress during the current year and that the government will produce tangible results in bringing about the development of the island.
The President spoke on plans to simultaneously develop the four northernmost atolls of the Maldives as an integrated development zone, and revealed that the plans involve numerous large-scale infrastructural projects. The development of an airport in Dhidhdhoo is part of the efforts to make the concept a reality, he noted, adding that some of the necessary works have already been commenced.
Assuring residents of delivery of results and fulfillment of pledges, President Muizzu said all pledges made regarding Dhidhdhoo will be fulfilled. Recalling the pledges, the President said a swimming track would be developed on the island as well as the development of a dockyard among other comprehensive development projects.
Shedding light on Dhidhdhoo’s ongoing harbour construction project, the President stated that the project’s completion would bring about effective solutions to ongoing challenges in the island’s harbour area. He also pledged to commence the development of an international standard football ground on the island within this year.
Speaking on healthcare, President Muizzu pledged to introduce new services at the Atoll Hospital in Dhidhdhoo, including CT scan and speech therapy services. He noted the significance of a new hospital in Dhidhdhoo for regional development.
Stressing that housing remains the top priority for the current year, the President noted that the national budget for the year allocates MVR 1.5 billion for housing initiatives across the Maldives. The funds will be utilised to fulfil housing-related pledges, he said. He affirmed his commitment to delivering over 12,000 housing units nationwide, with construction tenders expected to be issued before the end of the month.
In his speech, the President said that orderly development would be seen in all sectors including education and sports. While waste management is also a priority, the government is working on introducing WAMCO waste collection services in Dhidhdhoo, with the service slated to launch before Ramadan, he said. While garbage collection and management is an essential service, waste management services will be implemented across all islands in the Maldives within this year, he revealed.
The President asserted that he would not give up a single pledge he had made. He urged all citizens to work together towards development.
Meeting with Dhidhdhoo Council Discusses Developmental Needs
Prior to his meeting with the residents of Dhidhdhoo, the President met with members of the Dhihdhoo Island Council, the Women's Development Committee (WDC), and heads of institutions to address the island's most essential developmental needs. At the meeting held at the Secretariat of the Dhihdhoo Council, the Council raised concerns about the delay in completing the island's ice plant and the need to relocate the power plant from the residential area. The President referred to these concerns in the community meeting and assured the timely addressing of both concerns.
The Council also highlighted issues related to the construction of the island harbour, the requirement for a new council office building, and the establishment of a public works unit on the island. Additionally, institutional heads emphasised the need for the development of Dhihdhoo Hospital and School.
At the meeting, President affirmed that his Administration's efforts are structured to deliver on promises made and address the needs of the people by fulfilling key tasks. He assured the council of ongoing efforts to resolve the issues they raised. The accompanying ministers provided updates on the progress of development projects underway in Dhihdhoo.
National Identity Card Services Launched in Dhidhdhoo
On 16 November last year, the President pledged to expand the National Identity Card and passport issuance service across the Maldives. As part of the visit to Dhidhdhoo, the President witnessed the launch of the National Identity Card printing and issuing service in Dhidhdhoo. The service was inaugurated by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan.
While Dhidhdhoo is the capital of Haa Alif Atoll, a large number of people travel to the island daily for different needs. The people of Dhidhdhoo and other islands in the atoll will benefit greatly from the availability of such an important service close to the people, the government said.
President’s Haa Alif Tour
President Dr Muizzu is on a three-day tour of several islands in the Haa Alifu Atoll. Covering a total of eleven islands, President Dr Muizzu's itinerary includes stops in Filladhoo, Muraidhoo, Utheemu, Dhihdhoo, Hoarafushi, Ihavandhoo, Maarandhoo, Molhadhoo, Thakandhoo, and Uligamu. This tour is part of the President's 2024 pledge to engage with local councils across the atolls, islands, and cities. Accompanying the President on this tour are cabinet ministers and senior government officials, underscoring the administration's commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of the island communities.