Press Conference held at President’s Office PHOTO:Mohamed Sharuhaan/Mihaaru
The Maldives government expects 12,000 people to attend its “Habeys 3” event to be held late Monday to celebrate the third anniversary of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s regime.
Speaking about the event in a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister of Tourism Moosa Zameer said the venue is prepared to cater for the amount of people who would attend an event of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). He added that it is not a political event, rather a ceremony to celebrate the civil servants’ participation.
“This function is to celebrate the contribution of civil servants in the past three years, hence with their involvement, the number would increase,” said Zameer.
He further said that the event will highlight on the achievements of State Trading Organization (STO), Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) and, therefore, the staff of these companies are also expected to attend.
Till date, PPM claims that the biggest rally held by a political party in the Maldives is the “Aslu Jalsa”, which they declared was attended by 12,000 people including 5000 people brought from the atolls. PPM had funded accommodation and food for those that came to capital Male for the event.
Meanwhile some staff of Public Service Media (PSM) have expressed their concerns as they are being called to attend the “Habeys 3” function. While speaking to “Mihaaru” under condition of anonymity, some staff reported that they received a call from the Managing Director’s office asking to attend the event.
However, PSM denied the allegations saying that no staff is forced to participate in any event, but everyone has the opportunity to attend it.
It is against the Act of Public Service Media to be influenced by any social, political or financial body.