"All citizens are equal," Maldives pres insists no political bias

President Mohammed Muizzu said on Saturday evening that he wants to serve all citizens equally and that the political views of a citizen are not important.

At a campaign meeting of the PNC candidate from Lh.Hinnavaru constituency, a video where Ahmed Shareef Abdul-Rahman Yusuf demands for 'control' of government employees, especially those working at the Felivaru factory, and action against them if they failed to cooperate had gone viral on social media, causing much backlash too.

Referring to the video, speaking in F.Nilandhoo on Saturday evening, the President said that was not his or his party's political belief.

"All political views are equal. I will not look at the position of the person or what political views he has; in providing the service that should be given to the person," he said.

"I regret that any of us, whether politically motivated or emotional, would speak out against my policy, which is so clear."

The President assured that political thinking would not endanger the jobs of anyone.

True peace can only be brought by avoiding such things, he said, adding that he would not imprison political dissidents.

"You won't see a person being taken to the police station now because of a political statement. You won't see it like you did in the past," he said.

The President said that when the previous government ended, those in power were arrested and imprisoned.

"I want to establish peace. I will not take revenge. I do not believe in that. I did not say this for political purposes. I really want to bring peace to this country," he said.

The PNC has also said in an official statement that the opinion expressed by an individual is not its policy and that the policy of President Mohammed Muizzu is to facilitate political activities with equality and give them the opportunity to participate in activities within the clear-cut principles of democracy.