PRESIDENT Mohamed Nasheed, the first democratically-elected president of the Maldives, who is widely credited with bringing democracy to the hideaway resort islands, has resigned.

In his outgoing speech, he said: “I resign because I am not a person who wishes to rule with the use of power. I believe that if the government were to remain in power it would require the use of force which would harm many citizens.

“I resign because I believe that if the government continues to stay in power, it is very likely that we may face foreign influences.”

I hope our leaders will show similar morality one day.

DR IRFAN ZAFARIslamabad