Connect with us

News

The President calls for a renewed commitment to democracy and building a better future

FI

Published

on

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih called on the international community on Wednesday to renew their commitment to democracy, adding that democracy requires constant renewal, adaptation, and innovation and demands the active participation and commitment of everyone. Delivering his national statement at the 2nd “Summit for Democracy,” hosted by H.E. Joseph R. Biden, the President of the United States of America, President Solih urged the international community to join forces to create a better future for both the present and future generations.

Highlighting the significant progress made by the Maldives since the first summit in 2021, President Solih described fiscal accountability and transparency as essential requisites to the effective functioning of a democracy. The President stated that his administration had proposed two amendments to legislation to ensure greater independence for local councils and strengthen public procurement policies and audit mechanisms. He added that the administration is working towards moving to performance-based budgeting.

In his statement, President Solih also noted that judicial reform is one of the priorities of his administration. The President said that public perception of the Maldives’ judiciary has significantly improved over the past four years, with more swift and transparent court proceedings now in place. He added that an amendment to the Judicature Act had been proposed to parliament, which would enable the establishment of district courts and the circuit system, which would ensure greater efficiency and accessibility.

President Solih also highlighted his efforts to promote gender equality and ensure the inclusion of women in decision-making roles, describing it as one area in which his administration excelled. Over the past four years, the administration has appointed female justices to the Supreme Court, achieved parity in the Maldives’ diplomatic representation abroad, and increased the number of women councillors in local government. The President noted that the administration’s Gender Equality Action Plan of 2022 is a step towards increasing the representation of women in local government, corporate governance, the parliament, and the judiciary.

In his statement, President Solih also stressed the importance of a free and independent civil society for a properly functioning participatory democracy. Noting that threats to civil society organisations’ safety are considered detrimental to an open society in the Maldives, the President stated that the administration-led Associations Act aims to empower civil society organisations financially by allocating more significant financial resources from the state. He added that with the introduction of an NGO portal, civil society organisations will have access to information and resources to increase their collective capacity.

Source(s): President Office

News

Freedom of journalism must be practiced within the responsibilities

FI

Published

on

By

Minister at the President’s Office for Strategic Communications Ibrahim Khaleel has underscored the importance of exercising the freedom of press within the responsibilities. He made the remarks while speaking at a programme aired on PSM News.

Commemorating the 7th anniversary of PSM News, Minister Khaleel was invited to the programme, as he played a pivotal role in founding the PSM News Channel during his tenure as the Former Managing Director of the Public Service Media (PSM). The minister worked in the field of journalism and broadcasting for several years, actively engaging in various media positions, including reading and writing news articles.

Highlighted the convenience within the field following the advancements of technology, Minister Khaleel revealed articulated his vision for PSM News to serve as the primary national channel, delivering reliable and timely news coverage across the entirety of the country. In observance of World Press Freedom Day, the minister noted the continuous expansion of press freedom over the years. On this stance, he stressed the significance of media outlets to execute obligations in disseminating news, urging the spread of credible information.

Furthermore, Minister Khaleel revealed the government’s plan to expand and promote journalism. As such, efforts are underway to provide educational opportunities and to strengthen the financial stability of media organisations.

Source(s): PsmNews

Continue Reading

News

Fourth meeting of High-Level Core Group on withdrawal of Indian troops held in Delhi

FI

Published

on

By

The fourth meeting of the High-level Core Group between the Maldives and India took place in Indian capital New Delhi on Friday.

Maldivian Foreign Ministry said both sides reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation between nations during Friday’s meeting while discussions were also held on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including development and defense cooperation.

Additionally, the Foreign Ministry said it was reiterated that the Indian government will replace military personnel at the last of the three aviation platforms by May 10th, adding both sides expressed satisfaction with the fact that all the logistical arrangements are going ahead as per schedule.

Both sides also agreed that the fifth meeting of the High-Level core Group will be held in Male’ on a mutually agreeable date in June or July.

The High-Level Core Group was formed following a meeting between Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of COP28.

Source(s): sun.mv

Continue Reading

News

Minister of Islamic Affairs to attend the OIC Summit as the President’s Special Envoy

FI

Published

on

By

The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, will attend the 15th session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which begins tomorrow, as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Special Envoy.

The Minister of Islamic Affairs is scheduled to address the 15th session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as the President’s Special Envoy, which begins tomorrow, at Banjul, The Gambia. His address will be broadcast on television.

The Islamic Summit of the OIC, held once every three years, brings the leaders of the Islamic nations together to deliberate, take policy decisions, and provide guidance on issues pertaining to the Ummah as outlined in the OIC Charter.

The 15th Session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will take place in Banjul, The Gambia, from May 4–5, 2024, under the theme “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development.”

Source(s): Presidents Office

Continue Reading

Trending