The true meaning of a truly modern democracy is not limited to just protests, president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said Monday insisting that the opposition must be more proactive in "reminding" the government of its pledges to the people.
Speaking after inaugurating the newly established clean water system in Meemu Atoll Mulak island, president Yameen said as the Maldives attempts to instill a modern democracy, everyone, especially the opposition must embrace its principles and fundamentals.
President Yameen also accused the opposition of fighting for self interests in the name of democracy rather than the people.
"They keep talking about all the wrongful acts committed during protests. I always think why aren't they protesting the lack of sewage system in an island. When children were studying in darkness without electricity, there wasn't anyone reminding us of that," he said.
He also pointed out the lack of opposition outcry over anything remotely related to the well-being or progress of the people and the country.
"Without fighting for people's rights, they keep complaining about the standard of the Supreme Court judges. They keep talking about something happening somewhere. They never once think about why the people are not getting a service or a right."
The president also insisted that despite differences in political beliefs, Maldives must learn to treat one another with respect as practiced in other democratic countries.
"If you look at even America, they also exercise the freedom of expression with respect and within the principles of democracy. It doesn't mean they agree on everything. It just means they have a respectful of way of expressing their differences in opinion. Democracy is a way of life," president stressed.
"Such differences must be settled through a vote and not on the streets."
