Speaker questions existing governance system

Speaker of the Parliament, Abdul Raheem Abdulla has said that it is important to conduct an academic study to determine if the current system of governance is the best for the Maldives.

Abdul Raheem said this while speaking at a function organised by Villa College on Sunday to introduce two new courses for September intake.

The two newly introduced courses are:

At the event Abdul Raheem also inaugurated two books written by Ahmed Shakir, senior curriculum developer at the Institute for Academic Development, Villa College.

Speaking at the ceremony, Abdul Raheem said academic solutions should be found if Maldives is to continue on the development path it is on now.

Speaking about the newly introduced political science course, he said those who study politics have a huge responsibility.

"We need to think about whether the current system of government is the best system for us. Whether we need to change this system. If so, why do we need to change it? What is the change that needs to be brought about? What should we do to bring about that change?"

"This is something that people who learn this science have to find out in the light of research. There may be another way we can run the country better. But it must be found in the light of academic research. That is the best way”, he said.

Abdul Raheem said that political science and international relations are the most important fields for Maldives at the moment.

"With the political winds, economic currents and military waves in a changing and globalised world, we can make this journey a successful one by having this knowledge. By studying from a scientific perspective. We need to identify where our desired destination is, and decide how we may reach it”.

Abdul Raheem said political science cannot be described as just one thing. He mentioned some of the important components of political science:

"Today's educated people say that without it [political knowledge] it is difficult for a country to develop and prosper”, he said.

Therefore, the introduction of such a program at such a significant time will have a positive impact on the political future of Maldives, he said.