President calls for national solidarity

20 November 2007
Report: Ayya

Highlighting that the Maldives was entering “a golden age of democracy”, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has called for the consolidation of national solidarity. He made the statement in his Address to the Nation at the official function, held yesterday night at Dharubaaruge, to mark this year’s National Day.

President spoke on the importance of sincerity in addressing issues that affected the nation. “Our hearts must beat in sync with that of our nation”, said the President. He emphasized the need to chart a common course, as the Maldives was currently in a pivotal juncture of national development.

“For centuries, we have benefited from our strong bonds of fraternity and cooperation. We have always respected each other. Our Islamic roots have sustained our collective standards of behavior and language”, the President went on to say.

President Gayoom noted with deep concern that, today, some people are habitually holding the Government responsible for everything that affects their daily lives. “Instead of pointing the finger of blame at the Government alone, it is far more productive to reflect on every individual’s personal societal responsibilities”, said the President. He emphasized the need for every citizen to shoulder his responsibilities with the utmost honesty for the betterment of the whole community. He also stressed that each individual must strive to stand on his own and endeavor to lead a life of dignity and integrity. Further, he called on the people to reject the designs of people whose motives were to spread fear and apprehension in society, and to opt instead for the path of fraternity and solidarity.

President noted that, as the Second Republic approached its fifth decade, the Maldives had reached an important phase of nationhood. Highlighting that constitutional reform was the centerpiece of his Democratic Reform Agenda, the President thanked Mr. Gasim Ibrahim, the President of the People’s Special Majlis, and the Members of the Special Majlis, for the accelerated pace with which their constitutional revision work was now progressing.

“The new Constitution must safeguard the country’s Islamic faith and all key aspects of national identity. It must provide new avenues for public participation in governance. It must safeguard peace and security and the prevalent solidarity and harmony among the people. It must ensure justice to every citizen. It must guarantee freedom of expression and a free media. Finally, the new Constitution must facilitate further progress and prosperity for the Maldives and its people.” Said President Gayoom

Speaking on the importance of safeguarding and strengthening the Islamic faith of the Maldives, President called on the people to reflect on the many victories that the country had attained on an Islamic foundation, including the preservation of its independence and sovereignty.

Welcome remarks were delivered by the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Abdulla Kamaaluhdeen. He noted that the Maldives’ Republic had a very bright future. He spoke on the important attributes of republican governance, and said that the past 39 years were extremely successful in the country’s history. He congratulated the President on the economic, social and political progress that the country had attained under his leadership.

A video presentation on the birth of the Republic was also aired at last night’s function