President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Tuesday heavily criticised the opposition, questioned their motives, and claimed that they are driven by their personal agendas, instead of trying to work for the betterment of the nation.
Speaking at a ceremony held in Dharubaaruge to welcome over 2000 people who recently joined the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), the president said that he welcomes all critique, if it is coming from a sincere place.
“We’re seeing all of the opposition uniting, supposedly for the betterment of the nation. And congratulations to them – people should work towards reforms. But have they truly done anything to achieve any progress, so far? Why haven’t they submitted any bills to the parliament with the intention of developing the nation? Why haven’t they officially filed any reports on the specific things they want to improve?” President Yameen lamented.
Further, the president alleged that the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has outright refused to vote on certain development projects proposed by the government, and hindered reforms. He said that he was completely puzzled by the alliances that have taken place recently in the name of “progress”.
“We can see various institutions running smoothly, in accordance with the constitution for the first time. The opposition blames me personally for things that the courts decide too – when I have nothing to do with the legislative branch,” President Yameen said.
President Yameen criticised the opposition’s claim about the censure motion against parliament speaker Abdullah Maseeh being proposed to achieve “positive reforms”; however, the president said that it was a redundant move as Maseeh has not done anything unconstitutional. He also highlighted how Maseeh had done an excellent job at proving himself in the parliament last Monday, and how the opposition legislators did not even partake in the debate.
“So I don’t understand what their true motives are. For sure, they are not doing anything to serve the country. The only conclusion I can derive from their actions is that they have their own personal agendas,” president added.
Deposed ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has joined forces with MDP leader Mohamed Nasheed, former government coalition partners Jumhoory Party (JP) leader Gasim and religiously conservative Adhaalath Party (AP) leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla to pen a historic treaty to work together against the government.
Gayoom lost a bitter power struggle for PPM’s control with the party’s incumbent leader, president Yameen after the civil court handed over party reins to the younger Gayoom.
The rift between the two brothers has split the party in two, which ultimately ended with the elder Gayoom publicly withdrawing his support for his brother.
The elder Gayoom has since been sacked from the ruling party along with his lawmaker son Faris Maumoon.
The new opposition coalition has since stepped up efforts against the government.
