President Mohamed Muizzu has announced a “respect campaign”, blaming political turmoil for destroying the culture of respect in the Maldives.
Speaking in Alif Dhaal Mahibadhoo for the campaign of the local council election, Muizzu said the culture of respect was lost due to a political wave.
He was referring to the people's uprising, which began in the late 90s against the dictatorial regime of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Hundreds of Maldivians died to bring democracy to the Maldives, along with equal human rights under a new constitution in 2008.
"We were trapped in a political wave years back, and now there is no respect. I want to change this. I want to return to how we were before. I feel that all the people want that too," Muizzu claimed.
He announced that the government will launch a respect campaign next year to restore the habits that were in place during the 30-year regime of Gayoom.
"This is not a tangible project. But it is a mega project. It is a mega project of respect. I want to start a respect campaign. I call on all the people, all relevant institutions, civil society, all NGOs and all parties to participate," Muizzu said.
The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has repeatedly supported how things were during the Gayoom regime.
Ruling party MPs and senior government officials have declared their support for bringing back the island Katheeb (leader) hierarchy to replace the democratic decentralisation system.
They have also supported giving more, unchecked powers to the police and military.
