Party system and journalists blamed for social disturbances

17 September 2007
Report: Jaxlee

Introduction of multi-party system and some of the publications by journalists have been blamed for the increasing social disturbances, according to some political parties and views of public members.

DRP says that the increase in social disturbances can be related to political parties and journalists. Speaking to N. Velidhoo Community, DRP spokesman Ibrahim Shafiu said that the incidences have gone up since the introduction of political parties. He said that the competitiveness within the political parties and party politics have taken away the cohesive spirit that existed earlier.

However, Maldivian Democratic Party has a totally different view. MDP spokesperson Maariya Ahmed Didi says that the social disturbances have increased since one person is trying to rule and sustain power in the country.

She said that even prior to the establishment of political parties, these incidences have increased. She also said that it cannot be linked to journalists as they have contributed significantly for maintaining a free and just society.

She also said that only with sacrifices by some journalists that we were able to come to the place where we are today. Hence, she rejected any such claims.

Adhaalath Party leader Hussain Rasheed said that the social disturbances that we see today were the result of teaching the younger generations received during the past thirty years. That’s how the leaders have shaped our people, said Sheikh Rasheed.

Social Democratic Party leader Reeko Ibrahim Manik said that some political party activists and some journalists can be blamed for certain things.

Editors and senior writers have vehemently rejected any such claims saying that the significant role played by journalists should not be undermined. Editor of Weekly Magazine Hukuru Midhath Adam, Deputy Director General of Fiyes Magazine and Managing Editor of Haveeru daily, all have rejected such claims. They say that local journalists and writers working on weekly and daily newspapers and magazines could not be blamed.

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