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President Muizzu says he welcomes criticism, will not retaliate

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President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has denied allegations he recently instructed the demotion of an employee of a state-run company who criticized him.

He issued the denial during a gathering in Kurendhoo on Saturday morning – as part of his one-day trip to Lh. Atoll.

Addressing the gathering, President Muizzu said he recently read a news article which claimed he demoted a government employee for criticizing him.

The president referred to an article published by an online news outlet earlier this week, which quoted a President’s Office official as saying that he instructed the demotion of an employee of the State Trading Organization (STO) who criticized top government officials on social media.

President Muizzu said he immediately called STO’s managing director, Shimad Ibrahim, to clarify the situation.

“But the MD said it wasn’t that, that it was regarding something far more serious. He said that whatever was done was done in line with the company’s policies. I told him to clarify the situation to the people,” he said.

President Muizzu said that he wants to listen to the people, and believes in freedom of expression.

“I don’t want anyone to be penalized for saying something against me. I have never been someone like that. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression as long as its in line with the laws and regulations. And concerns must be raised,” he said.

He said that he, top government officials, heads of government companies, and lawmakers from the ruling PPM-PNC were honest and truthful, but that political opponents were misleading the public regarding that.

“Others are just telling nothing but blatant lies in response. Just plain lies without an iota of truth. I ask the people to be wise and choose the truth,” he said.

President Muizzu, during Saturday’s tour, will visit four islands in Lh. Atoll; Kurendhoo, Hinnavaru, and Naifaru.

Source(s): sun.mv

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One-China principle anchor of peace across Taiwan Straits: Chinese FM

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The one-China principle is the solid anchor for peace across the Taiwan Straits, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks on the sidelines of the meeting of the SCO Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan.

No matter how the situation on the Taiwan island changes, it will not change the historical and legal facts that Taiwan is part of China, or the historical trend that China will inevitably be reunified, Wang added.

Recently, political leaders and people from all walks of life in many countries, including the SCO member states, have voiced their support for China’s just cause of opposing “Taiwan independence” and promoting reunification, which once again shows that the international community’s adherence to the one-China principle is unshakable, Wang said.

Any attempt to dispute or deny the one-China principle will only end in failure, he stressed.

Wang noted that the 1943 Cairo Declaration and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation clearly stipulate that Taiwan, a Chinese territory stolen by Japan, shall be restored to China. These documents with international legal effect formed an integral part of the post-WWII international order and are also the collective memory of the international community, he added.

The separatist activities of “Taiwan independence” forces are the most serious challenge to the international order and the greatest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, Wang said.

The one-China principle is the political premise on which China establishes and develops diplomatic relations with other countries, and also the solid anchor for peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, Wang said.

The Chinese nation always holds the common belief that the homeland cannot be divided, the country cannot be destabilized, its ethnic groups cannot be separated, and its civilization cannot be disrupted, Wang said.

Emphasizing that the Taiwan question is China’s internal affair, Wang said that realizing China’s complete reunification is a shared aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation and also a historical trend that no force can stop.

Source(s): CGTN

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Court warns against conviction rumors of FAM ex-President

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Criminal Court on Monday, has warned against spreading rumors or issuing public opiniong claiming conviction of Bassam Adeel Jaleel, former President of Football Association of Maldives (FAM).

The court warned against spreading such rumors since it has not arrived at verdict on Bassam’s case.

The former FAM President is facing money laundering charges for depositing USD 10,000 extended by FIFA, to his bank account, for personal use, which Prosecutor General’s Office claimed on April 18, 2024.

While his case is pending, Bassam has been facing constant slandering and libel on social media.

Criminal Court Judge Ismail Shafeeu on Monday’s order, said defendants have the right to be treated as innocent until convicted at a court of law, despite facing criminal allegations or charges.

Besides issuing the warning against slandering the former FAM president, the court declared any such attempts would be regarded as a contempt of court and will be held as an offense.

PG earlier claimed its investigations had found Bassam had bought and registered properties after siphoning money from FAM accounts, used the misappropriated funds for his own business ventures, family expenses and for trips abroad.

PG Office also confirmed it has not completed the investigation on the matter, adding it would be pressing additional charges as the investigation proceeds.

Apart from facing money laundering charges for mishanding FAM funds, Bassam earlier faced allegations of money laundering and graft related to MMPRC, which is is currently investigated by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Source(s): sun.mv

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Ministry confirms actions against unpermitted drone use

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The Ministry of Defense has announced that measures will be enforced against any drones flown across the Maldives without the required permits.

Moreover, the Ministry had previously urged individuals to seek permission before flying drones in areas near airports, as they could pose a threat to air traffic. However, it has recently observed flying of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones in military security areas and near airports.

Furthermore, the Ministry further emphasised that permit applications should be submitted at least three days in advance, excluding non-governmental holidays, to ensure timely processing. It warned that strict actions would be implemented against those who operate drones without the necessary permits.

Source(s): PsmNews

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