Newly appointed advisor to Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), former President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has stated that he wishes to free former President Yameen Abdul Qayyoom from jail. President Waheed made the remarks in an appearance on AVAS “Fashama” talk show.
Dr Waheed said he joined PPM in 2014 to serve the country and he accepted the offer of party advisor post not because of any self-interest but in an attempt to serve the country. The former President added that the great leaders of the world have always promoting others and that he believes in the same philosophy.
"Great leaders work to honour and promote others. The best leadership is to serve others. That is my philosophy,” said President Waheed.
President Waheed said he accepted a senior position of PPM not because he wishes to gain any prestige or any position.
“I leave it to God, who will show the right path”, responded President Waheed when asked where he will be in the future.
While PPM and People’s National Congress (PNC) have already decided that their candidate for the 2023 presidential election will be their jailed leader Yameen, he is confident that the former president will be released from prison before the next election, said Waheed. President Yameen will contest in the election, asserted Waheed.
President Waheed was assigned as the advisor of PPM last week. A reporter asked in the ceremony if he would contest in the 2023 presidential election. Responding to the reporter, President Waheed said if such a situation arises, he would think about it.
However, speaking on Fashamaa show, President Waheed said he has no interest in winning the ticket for the presidential election, and there is no reason for PPM to offer him the presidential ticket, reiterating his belief that President Yameen will be freed before the election.
"PPM will get stronger, and with former Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed also joining PPM, it will bring further development for the party", said Waheed, adding that PPM will also focus very much on the upcoming local council election and will work hard for the council election.
“The public, in Male’ and in the atolls are very much disappointed with the present administration. Therefore, several people wish to join PPM. I feel that PPM will be very strong.”
President Waheed further said that even though President Yameen is in jail, the party is intact and described the party as having a strong leadership.
“What I have to say to the members of MMP is, let's work hard. I walk very fast. Let's walk fast. Then we will be able to gain greater success”.
PPM's Advisor, former President Dr Waheed Hassan Manik
