President Abdulla Yameen and the first lady Fathimath Ibrahim are to meet with senior citizens on Saturday, says the President’t Office.

Speaking to journalists at Muleeaage’, the President’s Press Secretary Ibrahim Muaz Ali said that the President and the first lady will be meeting senior citizens Saturday evening at Rasfannu beach from 08:30 pm onwards. 

Addressing several concerns raised previously regarding the alleged misuse of state property and civil servants at such events, Muaz said the event is organized by the president and first lady, and thus, any office at the disposal of the president to carry out his duty will take part in such events.

Critics say such events are just campaign events and cannot be labelled as the official business of the President.

The meeting with the senior citizens comes at a time when the government is facing harsh criticism from the public for neglecting basic needs of the senior citizens.

The situation of healthcare, transportation and such are a constraint to the elderly more than the general public; and the government’s failure to address these issues are met with criticism from the public.