Criminals, gangs won't be empowered, Muizzu says

President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that there will be no such thing as releasing criminals or empowering gangs during his administration, even though people have made various statements while anti-campaigning against him in the presidential elections.

Muizzu's rivals repeatedly accused him during the presidential election campaign saying that gangs would become stronger, crime would increase and more doors would be opened for drug smuggling.

In an exclusive interview with Atoll Times' sister publication Dhauru on Thursday, Muizzu responded to the allegations by saying that he would not allow any such thing in his government.

"I have come to serve the people with more solemnity," he assured.

Muizzu said one of the most talked about things before the second round was that he would appoint someone from a gang or group as the police commissioner. Muizzu alleged that the rivals had made such statements to create doubts in the hearts of his supporters by saying that Muizzu would have no control over the running of the government.

In his last campaign speech, he assured that he would not appoint anyone he could not control. He said no gang, group or association can have any power over him.

"That is why I said I will not appoint anyone where I cannot say the last word. And I especially said that I will appoint capable people who have education and experience," Muizzu said.

In addition to his final address to supporters during the campaign, Muizzu repeated the same statement he made in his first interview with Channel 13 as president-elect, and at the celebration held at the Social Center to celebrate his victory.

Muizzu said he was not targeting anyone, and that he would give a position to other parties who supported him if they respected his word.