Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed has offered an explanation for his comments about President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's age and health, which had caused some controversy.
Speaking at a rally held at The Democrats' party center last week, Nasheed said President Solih has to take a "handful of medicine" every morning and said that he suffers from heart disease. Nasheed also took a swipe at the President's age, insinuating that he is now too old to lead the country.
Clarifying his stance at a campaign event in Th. Kinbidhoo, Nasheed stated that discussions about the health and age of public figures are commonplace worldwide. He emphasized that his intention was not to offend or harm anyone with his comments.
"In no way was it [said] to insult or hurt anyone," Nasheed said.
Nasheed acknowledged that his remarks about President Solih's health had been misinterpreted by many and taken to heart by some. However, he emphasized that he would continue to make such statements as long as they adhere to democratic principles.
Nasheed then attempted to convey the robust health of The Democrats' presidential candidate, Ilyas Labeeb. He urged Ilyas to share a document outlining his health condition, a call that Ilyas Labeeb promptly agreed to by committing to release the relevant information.
