PPM PG Leader and Vilimale' Constituency MP Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik says Maldives had not benefited from its position as a member of the Commonwealth and therefore, a suspension will hardly make a difference.
He accused that CMAG only looked at hat the opposition figures had to say on the situation. Nihan said there should not be any compulsion on Maldives by Commonwealth or any other organization in determining he internal affairs. He added that Maldivians should have the right and be able to exercise that right freely, without any influence.
Speaking to Avas regarding the issue, Nihan said while being a member of the Commonwealth had been beneficial for some, Maldives only benefited in a limited way. He said the issue of Maldives' suspension had been exaggerated by the opposition, adding that there will not be any loss if the Maldives is not a member.
He accused that CMAG only looked at hat the opposition figures had to say on the situation. Nihan said there should not be any compulsion on Maldives by Commonwealth or any other organization in determining he internal affairs. He added that Maldivians should have the right and be able to exercise that right freely, without any influence.
"We know there are some benefits to being a member of the Commonwealth. But in practice what had we gotten? I remember we received two, three scholarships from 1980s onward. After that nothing," Nihan said. "Maldives will make decisions and laws for our benefit, not on the say-so of foreign entities. So Commonwealth cannot dictate on this. CMAG's decision was based on what the opposition had to say. And there's no loss to Maldives if we move out from Commonwealth,"
Yesterday, PPM Parliamentary Group Deputy Leader Riyaz Rasheed said that the Parliament will reach to a decision on the President's request to determine if the Maldives should remain as a member of the Commonwealth member, when the Parliament reconvenes.
Nihan said the members had expressed their personal views on the issue and there were no formal discussions. He said a final decision will be arrived after a session of the Parliamentary Group after the Parliament reconvenes.
