“Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Ibrahim Thoriq, has stated that this government is rectifying issues neglected by previous administrations and implementing major reformative changes.
In a video interview posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the ministry, Thoriq said that the 52 weeks since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed the responsibilities of the presidency have been a period of significant positive changes for the country’s development and the lives of ordinary citizens.
“The government is rectifying various issues that have been neglected in the Maldives over the past years and implementing major reformative changes,” Thoriq said.
Thoriq stated that the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has also accomplished numerous tasks and achieved many successes over the past 52 weeks under the President’s guidance.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to the staff for their efforts in achieving these successes and to other parties for their cooperation.
As President Muizzu’s government completes one year on the 17th of this month, it is worth noting that many achievements have been made and results have been delivered within this one-year period.
Dharumavantha Hospital, one of the largest buildings in the Maldives, is ready to open as a tertiary-level facility on the 16th of this month after renovations.
Speaking at the Republic Day ceremony held at the Dharubaaruge last night, the President said that Dharumavantha Hospital is set to open on the 16th of this month, and that some parties had refused to use the facility, calling it a ‘cave’.
“On November 16th, we will transform Dharumavantha Hospital into a tertiary hospital. We will establish all necessary services there. A place that some people previously described as a ‘cave’, Dharumavantha Hospital, will be turned into a real hospital, equipped with all facilities as a tertiary hospital, and we will, God willing, open it on November 16th,” the President said.
“The President stated that Dharumavantha Hospital will open after establishing all services to a tertiary level. While Dharumavantha Hospital is set to open this month, the President said that the government is working on opening Hulhumale’ Hospital with tertiary-level services as well.
Dharumavantha Hospital’s services began to be utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it has not been officially opened yet.
President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to participate in the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
Upon his arrival at King Khalid International Airport, the President was warmly welcomed by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz
During the summit, the President will join leaders from across the Islamic world to address critical issues, including the ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestinian territories and Lebanon. This summit follows the joint Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023, and aims to reinforce collective efforts toward peace and stability in the region.
The President is scheduled to address the Summit this afternoon.
President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has departed on an official visit to Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, to participate in the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, President Dr Muizzu will join leaders from Islamic world, to discuss the ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestinian territories and Lebanon. This summit builds on the joint Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023.
The President has consistently advocated for the rights of Palestinians, condemning Israel’s violations and denouncing attacks on Palestinian and recently on Lebanese territories. His firm stance on supporting peace and justice in the region underscores the Maldives’ unwavering commitment and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The President is scheduled to address the summit on Monday, November 11, 2024. The President accompanied by a high-level delegation has been provided the generous hospitality of the Royal Government of Saudi Arabia for this trip.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to good governance, emphasising its commitment to transparency and accountability for the benefit of the people. He made these remarks during his address at the official Republic Day ceremony at Dharubaaruge this evening.
The President highlighted the Government’s significant efforts to provide the public with information and promote transparency. He noted that approximately 840 questions had been submitted through the ‘Citizens Voice‘ portal, with only 22 remaining unanswered.
The President also stated that 90 per cent of Right to Information (RTI) cases have been addressed. He pointed out that the Government has held numerous press conferences with ministers and officials, fostering a level of transparency not seen in recent times. Additionally, he mentioned that daily updates on Government activities are now being shared via a new website, “Sarukaaru.”
Reflecting on the importance of accurate information, the President referenced his father’s book Dhaulathuge Verinnaai Masooliyath adhi Kiyaman Vumuge Mafhoom. He stressed that in a democratic system, even the most powerful individuals must be held accountable, just as journalists are. He concluded by emphasising that upholding honesty and integrity is essential for the nation’s best interests, particularly in an Islamic society.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the construction of the country’s first cancer hospital will commence in 2025.
In his address during the Republic Day ceremony at Dharubaaruge, the President highlighted that the cancer hospital would be a significant milestone in the nation’s healthcare sector. He emphasised that cancer treatment should not be an ancillary service within a general hospital but should instead be provided by a dedicated, comprehensive facility. While acknowledging that some had previously dismissed the need for such a hospital, he stressed its importance and assured that the project is progressing swiftly, with consultations with relevant partners already underway.
In addition to the cancer hospital, the President reaffirmed his commitment to developing a mental health hospital in Laamu and a specialised facility for women and children in Hulhumale’.
The President also outlined ongoing efforts to enhance the healthcare sector, including upgrades to Dharumavantha Hospital in Malé and Hulhumale’ Hospital, both of which are set to become tertiary-level institutions. These upgrades are expected to be completed by mid-November this year, enabling the hospitals to officially begin offering more advanced healthcare services.
Speaking of the transport sector, the President highlighted significant progress made over the past year. He confirmed that by 2025, RTL services will be available across all provinces. He also assured that the development of economically viable and sustainable airports will continue in the coming years.
Recognising the importance of robust transport systems in national development, the President noted efforts to strengthen the country’s road infrastructure. Acknowledging congestion in the capital, he pointed to various initiatives underway to address traffic issues. He further revealed that studies have begun on a project to modernise the roads in Malé and Villimalé, with work expected to commence soon.
The President stated that 2025 is set to be a year of progress in connecting islands through the construction of bridges, facilitating easier travel and economic integration across the nation.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has emphasised that the second highest priority will be accorded to earmarking funds for the education and health sectors in the upcoming year’s budget. He made this remark in his address to the nation during this year’s Republic Day ceremony.
Highlighting the numerous efforts made to advance the higher education sector over the past year, the President noted that many training programmes were conducted, skills development projects launched, scholarships awarded, and numerous loans sanctioned through various loan schemes.
The President emphasised the efforts to facilitate more opportunities for higher secondary education, stating that 23 schools have started higher secondary level education and noted the reopening of the Centre for Higher Secondary Education-Malé to ease the difficulties for higher secondary level students in Malé City. The President also remarked that the government would initiate the development of Al Madharusathul Arabiyyathul Islamiyya on a large plot designated for the development of the school.
President Dr Muizzu acknowledged the need to produce local teachers for lower grades, stating that the Government prioritises creating a local workforce of teachers for this purpose. He mentioned that the National Teacher Training Programme aims to provide opportunities for recent higher secondary graduates to enter the teaching profession. Additionally, he noted that this year would see the highest number of training sessions for teachers.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that if a permanent solution is not found for illegal expatriates, it could become a threat to the nation’s independence. The President made these remarks during his address at the official Republic Day ceremony at Dharubaaruge this evening.
Referring to expatriates residing illegally in the Maldives, the President acknowledged this long-standing issue has persisted across several Governments. Since taking office, however, his Administration has cracked down on illegal business operations run by expatriates and deported over 4,700 illegal residents – a record number for a single year. He stressed that without a permanent solution, this situation could develop into an internal threat to independence.
Addressing drug abuse, which he identified as the foremost threat to social harmony and peace, the President highlighted significant progress made over the past year. He noted that drug seizures have risen by 60 per cent compared to the previous year, and pledged to enhance capabilities further to combat negative social behaviours in the coming year.
The President also noted successful road safety initiatives, which have led to a 33 per cent reduction in life-threatening accidents compared to the previous year.
Discussing security measures, The President reported a successful year in maintaining law and order throughout the Maldives, including the full implementation of the Immigration Act. He promised that by end-2025, ID card and passport services would be accessible across all Maldivian atolls.
Furthermore, the President emphasised that his Government’s focus extends beyond merely constructing large buildings, stating that “true happiness comes from helping living beings.”
The President acknowledged that upon taking office, he found society lacking in care and attention, which prompted the establishment of compassionate Government policies. Notable successes include the “Komme Kujjakah Aailaaeh” project, which has helped 34 children find homes, the “Haalu Kihineh?” programme, and initiatives to improve elderly citizens’ quality of life. Additionally, his Administration has ended the practice of institutionalising persons with disabilities and is creating employment opportunities for them.
The President concluded by highlighting the ongoing “Madhadu” programme, which provides loans to support women’s empowerment.
The President has pledged to advocate for citizens’ rights in the face of the critical challenges posed by climate change.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu made this commitment while addressing the nation during the official ceremony marking the Republic Day of the Maldives, where he focused on environmental issues and the impact of climate change.
Announcing his intention to attend the COP-29 summit in Azerbaijan, which begins on November 11, the President stated that he aims to secure compensation from those responsible for environmental destruction to address the harm caused.
The President highlighted the country’s ecological fragility, emphasising the need for regional development. He also stressed the importance of recognising climate change as an undeniable reality.
He conveyed that the current Government has implemented several initiatives to protect the environment and advance the nation’s sustainable development goals. The President reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to pursuing development sustainably and outlined key initiatives undertaken over the past year.
One such initiative includes the goal of increasing the share of eco-friendly and clean energy to 33 per cent of the nation’s total energy consumption. To achieve this, he noted that 15 MW of solar power has been generated over the past year, with a 164 MW solar power generation project currently in progress.
In his address, the President also mentioned that alongside ‘Magey Solar Project,’ 400,000 trees have already been planted, contributing towards the goal of planting 5 million trees to make the country greener. He further announced plans to establish a biosphere reserve on three additional islands, complementing the efforts in Baa Atoll. Additionally, he highlighted that 17 islands have been designated for environmental conservation, with initiatives such as the installation of rubbish bins on these islands, the donation of special waste collection vehicles to 99 islands, and other waste management support.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has expressed his commitment to serving the public with sincerity throughout his five-year tenure, focusing on the needs of the people. He made these remarks during an official Republic Day ceremony at Dharubaaruge.
The President observed that, often when leaders are elected, they prioritise defending their Government over serving the people. However, he emphasised that his focus will be on genuine public service during his time in office. He also announced plans to develop a national development master plan for the next 20 years, which will involve consulting citizens on their vision for the future of the Maldives. He stressed that he does not want the country’s development to be shaped solely by political agendas but by a collective effort that includes public participation.
The President underscored the importance of a constitutionally-supported development plan created in collaboration with citizens, professionals, and stakeholders. He pledged to introduce a dedicated law to underpin this initiative and confirmed that work on this legislation is already underway. The aim, he stated, is to shape the country’s future in alignment with the aspirations of its people.
As part of this vision, the President announced plans to establish two Integrated Development Zones in the northernmost and southernmost regions of the country, along with seven urban centres across the seven regions, designed to better serve the wider population.
