Nazim: Even developed countries like the US face housing complaints, basic services alone don’t define governance

Former Health Minister Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim, who currently serves as the Principal Secretary to the President on Policy and Manifesto, has said on Monday evening that the number of schools or hospitals built by a government should not be the measure by which its service is judged.

Speaking at a PNC rally on Tuesday evening, Nazim said that as long as a country exists, every government will continue to build water and sewerage systems, ports, and health and education facilities.

He added that basic issues such as housing remain a concern even in developed countries like the United States.

“If you look at the United States, there is always talk of housing issues. In providing such basic services, even in developed countries, the work is always scheduled with timelines on the agendas. We are the same,” he said.

Nazim said the history of a country is not written by the number of schools built, but by the policies it pursues and the efforts made to protect national freedom and sovereignty.

He described it as historic that the current administration has saved the country from such heavy debt.

Nazim said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s name will be etched in Maldivian history because he has repaid the largest debt in the country’s history and protected the nation’s independence.

“Construction of ports, hospitals and schools will always continue. But it is the characteristic of leaders loyal to the country to take the necessary decisions at sensitive times with patience and determination,” he said.

Nazim said the people must think deeper when deciding the country’s future. He added that ideas previously seen, such as “selling” the airport to GMR or “selling the sea”, can no longer be allowed in the Maldives.

This government has so far paid off two major debts. The country has repaid USD 1 billion in debt so far this year and still faces many financial challenges, he said.