Speaker of the Parliament and former President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed has stated that members of the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and opposing Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) both share the same mindset.
Nasheed, who is currently in the United Kingdom recuperating from injuries sustained in the May 6 blast that targeted him, made the statement in a tweet posted on Tuesday. Nasheed said his only goal was 'saving the nation' and that MDP needs a new coalition to achieve the purpose.
Nasheed said it is important that any coalition that MDP is part of does not advocate 'India Out' slogans, and said such a coalition must be supportive of the so-called 'Hisaan Bill' calling to criminalize hate crimes and labeling of persons as non-muslims. He also said such a coalition must not defame and slander Islam and its Prophet, Mohamed (PBUH), nor should it believe music is prohibited in Islam. Nasheed said he believes most members of MDP and PPM share the same ideologies. Making a reference to extremism, Nasheed said most Maldivians do not wish for the Maldives to fall into a similar situation like that in Afghanistan.
Nasheed's sentiments were publicized on the social media platform after Nasheed denounced political alignment with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in a series of Whatsapp messages sent to MDP's National Council Group on Monday. In the messages, Nasheed said he no longer wishes to stand with the country's leaders "even if it meant he could never become the country's leader again". He wishes for a coalition with those with a moderate religious view, and he would partner up with the opposing Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) if needed, said Nasheed. Noting that extremist views existed even within MDP, Nasheed said he would discuss such views with former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom and PPM. Nasheed said his views may upset some members of MDP but that he cannot do anything about it.
Speaker of the Parliament and former President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed
