Addressing to the public for the first time in 2 years, opposition leader former President Abdulla Yameen took to the podium at a special event held at the opposition party office. Noted for his oratory skills, President Abdulla Yameen was the only speaker at tonight’s gathering held to thank his supporters.

In his first address since his release, former President Abdulla Yameen thanked Allah SWT for granting him the opportunity to meet his supporters. He continued on to state that nobody could oppose what Allah SWT wills and that what he wills would happen at the attested hour. He noted we humans would be subjected to such trials throughout our lives.

Former President Abdulla Yameen stated that we are amid such a trial, noting on the attacks on our beliefs, culture, heritage and the principles of Islam. However, he cut short on the subject stating that he would be revisiting the issue in the coming days, referring to the opposition’s rally scheduled for Friday night.

He then proceeded to thank the coalition leadership, Parliamentarians, Council members and the ordinary members for their efforts in calling for the current administration to refrain from interfering in the judicial proceedings.

The opposition leader then affirmed that while they were at a disadvantage as the opposition after the curling party took absolute control over the legislative and executive body, their wills had not faltered. He noted that had they had better access to resources they could have done more as the opposition but they opposition had done the absolute best they can with what they had.

“Our strength lies in what we do, because we firmly believe that what we are doing is right. We believe in what we are defending, we believe in defending our beliefs. We are out here because affronting Islam and attacking mosques are not a part of our beliefs. And we cannot simply stay idle while the patriotism inside us urges us to address the issues plaguing the people.” Said former President Abdulla Yameen.

He also noted on the success of the party as the opposition. He noted that the opposition party had managed to gain the trust of the nation, evident by their win in the Local Council Elections in both the capital city and the other islands.

He also stated that Maldives is a country where all the political leaders were nationalistic, but questioned to exactly which nationality they pledge their nationalism to. He affirmed that the oppositions ideology progressive, noting that they were the ones who championed the Maldivian way of life and is the patriotic ideology which also protects the tenets of Islam in the Maldives.

“This is the only party, without exhaust which champions and protects the beliefs of the Maldivian people”, said former President Abdulla Yameen.

He then posed question on what was needed to be reformed in the nation. He then stated that while his question was not rhetorical the single greatest issue of concern for the public was the judiciary and the lack of reform to it. He raised concern on the leaked audios of the judges who had passed the guilty verdict against him, noting that state authorities had confirmed the authenticity of one of the tapes.

Former President Abdulla Yameen continued on to state that the country is in dire need of reform for its judiciary. He stated that the people of Maldives can only stay content when the impartiality of the judiciary in ensured, noting that there would be no progress or growth for the nation.

He then stated that it was a common complaint to hear that the head of the state or the government would always influence the judiciary, noting that it was unacceptable. He then questioned whether it was acceptable for wealthy tycoons to influence the judiciary. This is speculated to be in reference to prominent tycoon turns politician Gasim Ibrahim, who has been accused of offering inducements to even the Apex court.

“Justice system is about implementing the rule of law with impartiality” stated former President Abdulla Yameen.

He then stated that the members of the judiciary have a greater responsibility towards honesty and justice than the rest of the population. “Prioritize impartiality. Prioritize justice. Set yourself aside from influences. You should be ready to say “No” to anyone.” Said the former President.

He then stated that if given the chance the Progressive Party of Maldives would once again make the Maldives prosperous, boosting its socioeconomic status.

The release of the opposition leader coincides with a significant growth in his popularity. The opposition alliance consisting of the Progressive Party fi Maldives and the People’s National Congress has witnessed a considerable number of new members within the past three years. The coalition along with its leader is expected to be the strongest candidate for the 2023 Presidential Election.