President cancels Malaysia trip

President Mohamed Nasheed has cancelled his planned trip to Malaysia this week, during which he was scheduled to participate in the International Conference on Global Movement of Moderates.

Press Secretary of President’s Office Mohamed Zuhair said today that the trip is cancelled because of the current situation the country is in, and in order to prioritize the serious issues at hand internally.

“The trip is cancelled because of the situation the country is in, and because it is advisable that the President does not leave the country at a time like this,” Zuhair said.

This cancellation comes after the decision and announcement of the President’s participation at the three-day conference commencing on 17 January in Malaysia. He was also scheduled to speak at the conference.

President Nasheed was planned to speak on the topic “Moderation in environmental issues and development”.

The Conference, organised by the Alumni of Malaysian International Islamic University (IIUM), will include 450 delegates from 70 countries, of which 55 will act as speakers and moderators.