The current government is implementing the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s policies, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said.
President Solih is seeking re-election and will contest against Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed in MDP's presidential primary slated for January 28. The campaigns of both candidates are in full swing, and the president is currently on tour in Kaafu atoll for his campaign.
Speaker Nasheed has repeatedly been criticizing President Solih and the government for implementing development projects in small and less populated islands.
Meeting with MDP supporters and members in K. Guraidhoo on Monday, President Solih said MDP's policy is to develop the Maldives island-style. This means developing individual islands and providing essential services to every inhabited island, he said. However, there are some members within MDP who no longer like this policy and have changed their mindset, he said.
"However, there are some people in the party who do not like this important policy of the party. Some people also believe that the provision of basic services to small islands is a waste of money. This is being talked about [within the party]," he said.
The president said it is worth considering who is truly implementing MDP's policies today. MDP had always advocated bringing development island-style, and those speaking against it are not promoting MDP policies, he said.
"Today, speaking against it is certainly not promoting MDP's policies. It may be done for some other motive. Distance yourselves from this; it is not part of MDP's policies," said the president.
