The majority of Maldivian citizens are against conniving cultures and will take a stand against corruption and theft, said former parliament speaker and MP Abdulla Shahid.

In a large rally held by the Maldives United Opposition (MUO) in Thinadhoo island of Gaafu Dhaalu atoll, where many prominent members of the opposition had spoken, Shahid said the government fears opposition activity and described them as ‘cowardly’.

Shahid noted how the government had planned an information session for the island’s health center, shortly after MUO announced the rally to happen in Thinadhoo, and that this is indicative of how supporters of the government attend opposition activity and leave ‘agitated’ and ‘fearful’.

He further said President Abdulla Yameen aims to strengthen the authority of the central government and diminish the authority of local councils.