Public has accepted PPM vision: Maumoon

Former President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom has said that ruling PPM was formed with the intention of protecting basic human rights, guarantee social and economic progress, adding that the public had accepted the mandate of the party.

He made the statement speaking in the ceremony held in Hotel Jen to confer honors on various figures. President Maumoon was conferred as an honorary Fellwo at the Singapore Royal Institute in recognition of the services he had rendered in his tenure as President for the progress of Maldivians.

In his address, the former President said the real winners of the work he had carried out were the citizens. He added that Maldivians believed in democratic values such as free speech, and that the nation was a developed one. President Maumoon said his PPM was formed with the intention of protecting and advocating such values, stating that the citizens have accepted this.

"Maldivians believe in free speech, eliminate gender bias, rights to employment. My party was formed to advocate for these rights. To develop the society's economic and social sphere," Maumoon said.

He said the public had elected a President from PPM, noting that this was substantial proof that the party vision has been accepted by the public. Maumoon added that this had also been seen in the majority his party had achieved in the Parliament.

President Maumoon reflected on the tenure of his predecessors. He noted that his successes were based on the foundations created by the two Presidents, and key in transforming the country post independence. He also reflected on the work carried out by Maumoon Foundation created to facilitate social progress and projects.

President Maumoon is the first honoree from the South East Asia region to be accorded by the Royal Institute of Singapore.