- Capital punishment vital in maintaining peace
- Democracy was formed before the state
- Do not contest politicians, contest on issues
President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Qayyoom has stated that the current legal system compelled and mandated him to implement the death penalty in the nation.
In his official address to the nation on the occasion of the 51st independence day, President Yameen highlighted that many nations had expressed concern and displeasure over the decision. He said most of these concerns were due to the observed concerns with the judiciary and others were over the request of the next of kin to delay the verdict.
President Yameen said that in spite of these issues, we cannot argue on the issue as implementing death penalty is a clear commandment in Islam. He said as the leader of the nation, the responsibility on him to implement the verdict was bigger on him. He added that he had no sway over the matter even though he was the leader.
“Islamic Shariah and the legal structure under the Constitution, excludes the President from this narrative. In Islam, capital punishment is mandated for all murderers; this is clearly said in the Quran. Therefore, implementing death penalty is must in order to maintain rule of law,” he said.
President further justified his stance by stating that death penalty will help maintain peace and stability of the nation for all. He said the situation had reached to the point where friendly scuffles between minors had escalated to the point where warfare is publicly declared. The President said his regime will focus on public safety, security, in line with development.
“We have to prevent such uncivilized behavior,” he said.
He added that other nations attempted democracy after building their nation and state, stating that Maldives had skipped this step and implemented democracy first. President Yameen said his Government was seeking to implement statehood, adding that his Government will remain steadfast in this aim. He said that in order to develop a civilized society, measures and standards must be set.
The President added that there will be many who are envious of our Islamic heritage and bent on bringing in other religions to the country.
“The number of parties envious of our 100 percent Islamic nation are many. Every day is a day when the Government is pressured into allowing Maldives to become a multi-religious society. Every day is of warnings and caution over implementation of Islamic Shariah, teaching of Islam. There is a faction of traitors, bent on damaging the nation’s peace, stability, progress,” he said.
President Yameen said that it was one of these factions of traitors who attempted the overthrow of the Government back in November 3, 1988. Adding that similar factions have now sought refuge in other nations, the President said these factions were trying hard to plant the seeds of discontent in the public.
President Yameen said the work of these factions were targeted at preventing investment, financial aid, impose undue sanctions on the country and foster religions other than Islam.
Speaking on the economic agenda, President Yameen said that investments from tourism sector had increased, with the ground work laid for other economic development projects. He said that all inhabited islands will now receive 24 hours’ electricity and medication via Aasandha health insurance. He added that the medical sector had improved in rapid leaps and bounds, noting that new services had been introduced.
President Yameen assured that in the first five years of the Government, over 16000 housing units will be built in Hulhumale’, bringing in a much needed respite to the housing issue in the country.
“The ten years prior to this Government assuming power, national development was at a halt. No new economic projects had been launched. National reserve was stagnant. Protests on roads were the norm. There was no respite to the citizens; national development took a back seat. We saw the degradation of ancient buildings with no restoration on them. Therefore, in the 2013 elections my agenda was to reconstruct the nation,” he said.
“My words have been the same then and now. This Government did not rise to power to contest on political issues. Not for public face-offs. I am contesting against national issues. As the leader of the nation, my aim is to provide the Maldivians with an independent, prosperous nation,”
