President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom does not need the backing of 'failed' political leaders to gain the support and love of the people, former main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson Moosa Manik said Sunday.
Responding to a question from Avas, the deputy parliament speaker said president Yameen has gained the support of the people through his efforts to bring development and stability to the Maldives.
"President Yameen has brought much needed development and stability to the nation. That has assured him the love and respect of the people. So even if one or two people come out and say they don't support government policies, it doesn't affect president Yameen. President Yameen doesn't need the support of failed people," the Hulhu-Henveiru MP said.
Manik also said former presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Mohamed Nasheed were the past as the people craved for peace, stability and progress.
"President Yameen has brought exactly that for the people. So at this day in age, president Yameen doesn't need the backing of failed people."
Manik has fallen out with MDP and was subsequently dismissed from the party for breaking a party whip line during a parliamentary vote. However, the elections commission had later reversed the decision.
He has since publicly criticized MDP and Nasheed, though his thinly veiled dig was apparently aimed at the elder Gayoom who had recently withdrawn his support for his half brother president Yameen after the civil court had handed control of the party to the younger Gayoom.
